Baggies excite Ridgewell

The 27-year-old returned to the top-flight with a switch from Birmingham to The Hawthorns on deadline day after plying his trade in the Championship following his former side's relegation.

Ridgewell, who can play at centre-half or left-back, made 152 appearances for the Blues over a five-year spell which saw him captain the side as well as feature in Birmingham's Carling Cup final victory over Arsenal last season.

However, following relegation from the Premier League, Ridgewell is excited to have secured a deal to return to the top-flight.

"I'm delighted to get it done," he said. "It's been a long time coming and there has been a lot of talking going on.

Delighted

"I'm delighted to be here and I can't wait to get going. I think Albion are a club on the up."

Former England Under 21 international Ridgewell is relishing the opportunity to work with Albion boss Roy Hodgson and is ambitious to drive his career on at the top level.

"We have a good manager and a set of great lads that are striving to do the right things," he added. "It seems to be such a great club and I'm raring to get going and play well for the club.

"I want to play in the Premier League and I want to push my career on, which is why I've come to West Brom.

"It's been difficult at Blues, as it has for a lot of people there, but I'm just trying to concentrate on myself and trying to get myself playing in the best league."