National League strugglers Dover Athletic sign an ex-Aston Villa, Birmingham and West Brom player, it has been confirmed this week.
The fifth tier side were on the lookout for a first-team coach after Darren Hare departed the club in November to take on a new role outside the game.
36 year old Liam Ridgewell decided to retire from playing football earlier this year but has been keen to get into coaching and has since joined Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler.
“I didn’t know him personally but obviously I was aware of what he’s done in the game,” explained Hessenthaler.
“He asked if he could come in and it’s an opportunity to work with the boys.
“It’s a voice that’s been there and done it in the game and he brings different opinions. He sees things the right way and the boys have taken to him already.
“We’re working on something so he can come in until the end of the season, but whether it becomes that long term or not we will have to wait and see.
“When you look at some of the goals we’ve conceded, can he work with the boys and help make us better?”
At the beginning of last season, Ridgewell played 52 minutes for Southend but hasn’t featured since, officially retiring from the game in April.
He’s not expected to play for Dover, although Hessenthaler would have loved to call on a player of that experience in the National League.
“I did ask him and he smiled,” said Hessenthaler. “I’ve got to say he does look lean and fit so you never know – I might keep badgering him!”
Ridgewell has played for the likes of played for Aston Villa, Birmingham and West Brom between 2002 and 2014, making over a total of 300 appearances. The former England under-21 international moved to the MLS (Major League Soccer) to play for Portland Timbers six years ago but has since had brief spells at Wigan, Brighton, Hull and Southend, who he left in January.
Youth career
1999–2001 – West Ham United
2001–2002 – Aston Villa
Senior career
2002–2007 – Aston Villa – 79 games (7 goals)
2002 → Bournemouth (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2007–2012 – Birmingham City – 152 games (9 goals)
2012–2014 – West Bromwich Albion – 76 games (2 goals)
2014–2019 – Portland Timbers – 97 games (6 goals)
2015 → Wigan Athletic (loan) – 6 games (0 goals)
2016 → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2019 – Hull City – 7 games (0 goals)
2019–2020 – Southend United – 1 game (0 goals)
Total – 428 games (24 goals)
National team
2002 – England U19 – 1 game (1 goal)
2004–2005 – England U21 – 8 games (0 goals)
Ridgewell said on Twitter: “What a great feeling to be in the dug out today [Saturday] for @DoverAthletic wasn’t the result we was looking for but a lot of positives to take forward in a busy Xmas period for us. And most of all back on the 3pm KO.”
When announcing his retirement, Ridgewell wrote: “Football has given me the best life any little boy could wish for.
“There have been some massive highs and lows but now it’s time to hang up my boots and move on to the next chapter of my career.
“I’d like to say a massive than you to all the coaches and managers who moulded me into the player I was.
“A special thank you to the late, great Graham Taylor for giving me my debut and the reason I was able to pursue my dream.”
Fans reacted after seeing that Dover sign up the ex-Aston Villa, Birmingham and West Brom player…
@KevHarris84: A former Baggie at @DoverAthletic – love that! Welcome to Crabble!
Tim Reed: I remember him from back in the day, was not bad, good luck to him as he progresses his career
@Lawson_T: @liam_ridgewell welcome to Dover, mate! Can’t wait to be back at The Crabble watching once we’re out of the shit tiers. All the best!
Carl Ryan: What a guy, can’t believe he’s actually at our club, pretty awesome that
@kierandodd91: Fuck off Dover have just signed Liam Ridgewell hahahaha
Jason: Nah way haha thought he was still playing out in America, nice to see him regain his love for English football again though, some fall out of love with the game so nice to see it’s still there for him
@CammySaveall_22: Welcome to the club mate!
Love that mate 👏🏻
— Karl Hooper (@karlhooper) December 19, 2020
Looking forward to the first Ridgey Roll at Crabble!
— Steven Seymour (@steveysey) December 19, 2020
Welcome aboard Liam.
— martin pearce (@pearcey33) December 19, 2020
Liam Ridgewell at Dover 😳
— YFD (@Diggerthedog1) December 20, 2020
You must be logged in to post a comment Login