Cascadia target Liam Ridgewell to play in London friendly

Liam Ridgewell was a very popular player in Portland
Photo: Diego Diaz/Prost Amerika

Cascadia Association Football Federation want to convince former Premier League defender Liam Ridgewell to come out of retirement.

Whilst Ridgewell is widely associated with West Midlands football, he qualifies to represent Cascadia following his successful five-year spell in the United States with Portland Timbers which included a famous MLS Cup win.

Prost International understands that Cascadia coach James Nichols is a big admirer and would like to invite the West Midlands legend.

Adding Ridgewell to the Cascadia ranks would prove an invaluable step ahead of the upcoming fixture against Kernow at the Fenton Engineering Stadium.

The exhibition match is a 15:00 kick-off on 22nd May, with tickets on sale through the Northwood FC website and on the day.

36-year-old Ridgewell retired in 2019 following a brief stint with Southend United. He now forms part of the coaching staff at Dover Athletic.

The former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion star is fondly remembered in the States having joined Timbers in 2014 and going on to captain them to MLS Cup success on a famous night in Columbus in 2015.

Despite enjoying a career glittered with England-youth recognition and a cup final win, Ridgewell credits Portland with rejuvenating his career after being released by the Baggies and admitted that his first taste of the MLS action only whetted his appetite.

In 2018 he claimed “The very first game I watched, they were playing FC Dallas,” recalls Ridgewell,“

“They were 2-0 down at half-time., I couldn’t hear myself think when the players were coming in at half-time for the fans singing. Not shouting or chucking things, as I was used to, but singing. I thought that could work for me.’”

With the Timbers faithful known for their loyal and passionate support, Ridgewell drew comparisons between the atmosphere at Premier League grounds and MLS fixtures.

Ridgewell celebrates Timbers’ MLS Cup win in Portland in 2015

His arrival coincided with Timbers’ most successful era in modern times.

Having struggled defensively in their 2014 campaign, Ridgewell led the defensive rearguard to help the franchise finish third in the Western Conference.

The defender coolly netted a penalty in the playoff game against Sporting Kansas City, which is largely remembered for Saad Abdul-Salaam’s “double post” penalty miss. The unfortunate SKC player hit both posts during a shoot out and fate seemed to suggest it was Portland’s year.

A rock-solid defensive showing from Ridgewell and co, saw Timbers progress past Vancouver Whitecaps to advance to the Conference Final where they then defeated FC Dallas 5-3 on aggregate.

With the Timbers not content as just Western Conference Champions, they made history by beating Columbus Crew 2-1 to become the first side from the Cascadia rivalry to win the competition, soon to be followed by Sounders FC.

One of Portland or Seattle has appeared in every final since as Cascadia has exerted its dominance on the Western Conference.

Ridgewell also gained a reputation with his signature goal celebration, “The Ridgy Roll” which surprised both British and American fans alike.

His time with the Timbers came to an end in 2019 having found game time hard to come by under Gio Savarese.

But having been a cult hero amongst the Timbers fanbase and with evergreen memories from his time with the club, Nichols hopes Ridgewell may just be tempted to don the Cascadia colours.

He told Prost:

“As a follower of English football, I know the Liam’s abilities well.

James Riley played for Cascadia before and I was amazed just how much credibility and kudos, as well as his talent and leadership, that brought us.

Hopefully, we can get word out to Liam in time so he can player, as well as give his West midlands fans a chance to show their appreciation.”