Birmingham a fresh start for Neil after exposure drop in Cardiff

After a tough past few months at his former club, Filipino international Neil Etheridge is looking forward to a fresh start at Birmingham City, which secured the services of the Azkals goalkeeper on a four-year deal last Friday.

Etheridge, 30, saw his minutes drop at Cardiff City last season, but the transfer to another English Championship side presents an opportunity to be part of an ambitious project, which he hopes could end up with promotion to the Premier League.

“I knew there was a lot of speculation in the last 18 months of where I’m moving so I’m glad that we got it over the line,” said Etheridge, who had a possible move to Premier League side West Ham early this year scuppered. Etheridge was Cardiff’s player of the season when they saw action in the Premier League two years ago. But a spate of injuries and the emergence of erstwhile back-up Alex Smithies meant he was relegated to second choice last season.

“This is a great opportunity to find my feet again and prove why I was player of the season at Cardiff,” said Etheridge, who only featured 17 times for Cardiff last season. “I hope I can bring that confidence and experience to this club.”

Etheridge is the seventh signing brought in by Spanish coach Aitor Karanka, who is looking to transform the club’s fortunes after a 20th place finish last season.

“When I was growing up, I always saw Birmingham as a big club and I’m very happy to be part of it,” Etheridge said.