Larne star admits Irish League experience exceeded expectations after 'walking into the unknown'
If you heard a northern twang amongst the thousands of Larne fans cheering their team to title glory at Inver Park on Saturday, there’s a good chance they were part of the Matt Ridley Supporters Club which travelled in numbers from England for an unmissable occasion.
Ridley arrived in the Irish League last summer having spent time in America, Dubai and various clubs throughout England’s non-league pyramid, but has now found a home at Larne.
The 25-year-old quickly became a firm fan favourite with his no-nonsense defending and aerial prowess providing the platform for Larne’s third Gibson Cup triumph across the past four seasons, but first for Ridley.
Ridley has been one of the Premiership’s top performers – as recognised by his nomination for the prestigious NIFWA Player of the Year award – and played virtually every minute of a title-winning campaign.
With Ridley at the heart of their defence, Larne kept 21 clean sheets across 38 matches, conceding just 26 times on route to reclaiming the top prize in Northern Irish football.
Having signed a two-year contract in November, Ridley has committed his future to Larne – and a host of family and friends made a weekend trip to see what it was all about.
"It’s unbelievable, to be honest,” he said. “To have my family and friends here, I can't describe it in words.
"I have 22 of my best friends and family, so a good squad of northerners are over! It's unbelievable to be able to win it in front of them.”
With Blyth Spartans, Sutton United and Chesham amongst Ridley’s recent clubs, it’s fair to say he arrived as an unknown quantity.
The pressure was also on – Ridley had been brought in to replace Shaun Want, one of the Irish League’s top defenders, while Cian Bolger was ruled out for the season through injury.
However, Ridley was able to comfortably shoulder that weight of expectation, and admits his maiden campaign exceeded all expectations.
"Looking back, if you'd have told me in June that I'd have played this many games, won the league title, I'd have probably said that you weren't talking about me,” he added. "I was walking into a bit of the unknown, not knowing what to expect really.
"It was a great opportunity to play in Europe at a club that was so well run...for it to come to fruition from June through until now is a testament to everybody at the club, it’s a special, special feeling.
"I always said that if the team done well, then it meant that I'd done well in a way.
"I couldn't have done it without the boys around me and the faith and backing of Gary (Haveron, manager) – since he took the job permanently, he's been a breath of fresh air for me. I think that's why we’ve seen the best of me this season.”
Having played in the likes of the Northern Premier League, Northern League Division One and Southern League Premier Division South, Ridley will now add another to the list – Champions League.
"It’s something to really look forward to,” he said. “We were in the Conference League last year, but to go that one more and into the Champions League, let’s see where it takes us.”