This can only be a good thing for us, it shows how much he meant to his last club. Looking at their OS, they seem very gutted that he's left them.
Maybe not player of the season, but I'd definitely say he's a candidate for signing of the season, if his pre-season is anything to go by. Cork too, could be crucial for us.
Funnily enough, I emailed my customer in Holland earlier today. He's a big Ajax fan and I asked him what de Ridder was like. He said he was too good for de graaschap and they wanted to keep him. He was also relieved as their first game of the season is against Ajax on Sunday... ... Sounds like we're on to a winner!
I spoke to my mate who lives in Holland and he said a similar thing, but did say that he was a good Eredivisie player, which he likened to about Championship standard in the main. Was confident that De Ridder could play in the Championship but was unsure if he would be good enough for a team chasing promotion. Lets hope hes wrong
On Saintsweb, a guy spoke to his Dutch friends/associates who said he's strong, quick and direct so should slot into England fine. Suppose we'll know come May.