Ridgewell's deal completed a landmark year for the England Under-21 international, who earned a regular place in David O'Leary's first team, starting 33 matches. "I'm delighted to sign my new contract," he told the club's website. "Now I'm relishing fighting for my place." He may have a fight on his hands, however, as although injuries to Martin Laursen, Mark Delaney and Olof Mellberg saw him breakthrough, the emergence of Gary Cahill could force him back down the pecking order.
A year younger than Ridgewell and, gracias a deus, not yet sporting the same comedy bum fluff, many consider Cahill a much brighter prospect. He too has committed to three more years at