Birmingham chairman David Gold is confident Liam Ridgewell's Villa roots will not stop him being a hit with fans.
New signing backed to be a hit
Birmingham City chairman David Gold is confident new signing Liam Ridgewell's Aston Villa roots will not prevent the defender becoming a hit with the fans.
Ridgewell has agreed a three-year contract at St Andrews, with Blues paying £2million to their Midlands rivals.
Though Ridgewell is the first player in over 20 years to swap Villa for Birmingham, Gold expects the centre-half to receive a warm reception from his new supporters.
"I am confident Liam will come into the Birmingham side and do a good job and I am confident that our fans will take to him," said Gold.
Banter
"There has always been banter between the two sets of supporters and, when they boo Villa or Birmingham players past and present, it is mainly just that - banter.
"Liam has chosen to come to Birmingham and I am sure our fans will soon forget the Villa thing if he plays well for us - which I am sure he will."
Blues boss Steve Bruce has been a long-term fan of Ridgewell and is happy to add the former England Under 21 international to his squad.
Bruce said: "It is well documented that I tried to sign Liam in January and I am delighted he has agreed to come to us now.
"He has a lot of Premier League experience and is still only young and wants to do well."
