Former Saints winger Steve De Ridder joins Utrecht on a three-year deal

Former Southampton winger Steve de Ridder has signed for Eredivisie side FC Utrecht on a free transfer.

De Ridder signed for the Saints from Dutch Eredivisie outfit De Graafschap during the 2011 summer transfer window. The 26-year-old Belgian left the Saints by mutual consent after spending a month-long loan deal last season to Championship outfit Bolton Wanderers.

"FC Utrecht is a nice club, with an avid and passionate supporters," De Ridder told the club's official website.

"I hope to be of great value for FC Utrecht. Here I am going to do my best."