Birmingham City's Liam Ridgewell warns pal Sam Saunders of Brentford over the Carling Cup clash

Oct 26 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

THE hand of friendship extended by Liam Ridgewell might end up being wrapped round the neck of close pal Sam Saunders if Brentford cause a Carling Cup upset tonight.

Ridgewell has invited the Bees winger to be his house guest.

Saunders will be an usher at Ridgewell’s wedding to fiancé Kirsty in the summer, and plans have been made for him to have his suit fitted while in Birmingham.

Friends since they were nippers growing up in Bexleyheath, south London, their pro footballing careers have never crossed – until now.

“I have known him since we were six or seven,” said Ridgewell. “We used to stay around each other’s houses and knock about really. We played in the same Sunday league team as well.

“We stayed in contact since I moved up here and Sam’s going to be an usher at my wedding.

“He’s staying over and coming to get his suit measured. So we will spend some time together and catch up a little bit.

“That’s good because I don’t get to go down to London as much now.

“If we lose? Well, if that happens he will be staying out in the garden. I’d have to put a tent up for him or something.”

Should both start in their usual positions, they will be in direct opposition.

“With him right wing and me left-back, we’d be up against each other, so it would be interesting. A good old tussle,’’ said Ridgewell.

“He hasn’t played for the last few weeks, though, so we will see what goes on.

“Obviously he will he hoping to get out there.”