Neil Etheridge opens up on his 'difficult and frustrating' e
Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2020 11:16 am
Neil Etheridge opens up on his 'difficult and frustrating' end at Cardiff City and why he joined 'sleeping giant' Birmingham City
The Philippines international was adored by supporters in the Welsh capital, but he sought regular game time elsewhere
By Glen Williams
Thursday 24th September 2020
Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has opened up on his Cardiff City departure (Image: PA)
Neil Etheridge has admitted that the end of his time at Cardiff City was "difficult" and "frustrating" but is looking ahead to chapters new with Birmingham City.
The goalkeeper was loved by supporters in the Welsh capital, where he grew to become a fan favourite and was even crowned the Bluebirds' Player of the Season after their Premier League campaign.
However, a season blighted by a hamstring injury and transfer speculation afforded Alex Smithies the opportunity to show what he could do between the sticks and it is fair to say he took his chance with two hands.
Smithies himself narrowly missed out on being named the club's Player of the Season last year — he won the WalesOnline poll — as he helped City reach the play-off semi-finals.
Philippines international Etheridge, however, had to watch on from the sidelines as his team-mates embarked on an incredible run before and after lockdown and that, he conceded, was difficult to stomach.
NEIL ETHERIDGE:
“For any player not playing, it’s frustrating," he said.
"When you throw in the period of time that we weren’t playing due to Covid, and then coming back and Cardiff going on a fantastic run into the play-offs, then falling short, it was difficult.
“I loved playing for Cardiff and wanted to play and stay, but if your not wanted you have to move on.”
“[Birmingham] obviously wanted me for a long time and I knew that. They have given me the security and also the confidence to sign me on a long-term deal. It shows that this club really want to go in the right direction.”
Etheridge made a brilliant start, producing a fine performance against his old rivals Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium to ensure the Midlands outfit earned a point in a goalless draw.
Of course, everyone in this corner of the world knows just how good a goalkeeper he is and Birmingham, who could pay around £2m if add-on clauses are met, will be boosted by having someone of his calibre in the squad.
Aitor Karanka has sought to massively overhaul his squad this summer, making nine signings, in a bid to restore the club to its former glories of regular top-flight action.
Etheridge, too, believes the St Andrew's outfit have the ingredients to be able to do just that.
NEIL ETHERIDGE:
“It was one of those where there had been a lot of speculation about me leaving Cardiff for a long period of time now," the former Bluebird added. "I was into the last year of my contract.
“Regardless of the speculation I saw Blues as a team that really is a sleeping giant, a new man has come in, they have brought in experience – and more experience again this week.
“I really do think this club is progressing.
“I wasn’t just going to move for the sake of moving, after speaking to the manager and some of the players and knowing some people at the club I feel like this is a sleeping giant that can wake up.”
The Philippines international was adored by supporters in the Welsh capital, but he sought regular game time elsewhere
By Glen Williams
Thursday 24th September 2020
Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has opened up on his Cardiff City departure (Image: PA)
Neil Etheridge has admitted that the end of his time at Cardiff City was "difficult" and "frustrating" but is looking ahead to chapters new with Birmingham City.
The goalkeeper was loved by supporters in the Welsh capital, where he grew to become a fan favourite and was even crowned the Bluebirds' Player of the Season after their Premier League campaign.
However, a season blighted by a hamstring injury and transfer speculation afforded Alex Smithies the opportunity to show what he could do between the sticks and it is fair to say he took his chance with two hands.
Smithies himself narrowly missed out on being named the club's Player of the Season last year — he won the WalesOnline poll — as he helped City reach the play-off semi-finals.
Philippines international Etheridge, however, had to watch on from the sidelines as his team-mates embarked on an incredible run before and after lockdown and that, he conceded, was difficult to stomach.
NEIL ETHERIDGE:
“For any player not playing, it’s frustrating," he said.
"When you throw in the period of time that we weren’t playing due to Covid, and then coming back and Cardiff going on a fantastic run into the play-offs, then falling short, it was difficult.
“I loved playing for Cardiff and wanted to play and stay, but if your not wanted you have to move on.”
“[Birmingham] obviously wanted me for a long time and I knew that. They have given me the security and also the confidence to sign me on a long-term deal. It shows that this club really want to go in the right direction.”
Etheridge made a brilliant start, producing a fine performance against his old rivals Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium to ensure the Midlands outfit earned a point in a goalless draw.
Of course, everyone in this corner of the world knows just how good a goalkeeper he is and Birmingham, who could pay around £2m if add-on clauses are met, will be boosted by having someone of his calibre in the squad.
Aitor Karanka has sought to massively overhaul his squad this summer, making nine signings, in a bid to restore the club to its former glories of regular top-flight action.
Etheridge, too, believes the St Andrew's outfit have the ingredients to be able to do just that.
NEIL ETHERIDGE:
“It was one of those where there had been a lot of speculation about me leaving Cardiff for a long period of time now," the former Bluebird added. "I was into the last year of my contract.
“Regardless of the speculation I saw Blues as a team that really is a sleeping giant, a new man has come in, they have brought in experience – and more experience again this week.
“I really do think this club is progressing.
“I wasn’t just going to move for the sake of moving, after speaking to the manager and some of the players and knowing some people at the club I feel like this is a sleeping giant that can wake up.”