sammynb 3640 Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Jets! http://www.theworldgame.com.au/a-league/je...-bridges-238642 Jets swoop for Bridges Newcastle Jets have been trialing former Leeds star Michael Bridges and are set to sign him for the remainder of the A-League season. Speaking exclusively with The World Game, Bridges confirmed he has been training with the club and is looking to secure a six-month deal next week with a view to extending the contract at the end of the season. "I was on my way to Portugal to play with Naval about two days before I heard that Newcastle were looking for a player," said Bridges, who has been a free agent since his release from Hull at the end of last season. "It would have been a big culture shock for my family to relocate to Portugal so we jumped at the chance to come to Australia." Bridges, who starred for Leeds alongside Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka during the club's golden Premier League run in the early 2000s, is no stranger to the A-League having played a guest stint for Sydney FC in 2007/08. He had been playing with Carlisle United in league one but cited the influence of his old Sydney boss Branko Culina as a major motivating factor in his decision to trial with the Jets. "I knew Branko was here at the Jets and I wanted to team up with him and give it a go," Bridges said. "I have always wanted to come back here and play in the A-League and the two training sessions I have had with Newcastle have been really positive so far. "I loved my time in Sydney and up here it's just that little bit more laid back which really suits my family. "Of course first and foremost I just want to play some football." Bridges confirmed he had been courted by Gold Coast United and was close to a deal with the club at the start of the season, before the decision to remain in England for personal reasons. He says the lifestyle afforded in Australia was a decisive factor in luring him away from a move to the Portuguese first division. "The lifestyle is a huge consideration, especially for English guys who don't have to worry about picking up a new language," he said. "It's great for the family too. Although football is the main priority." Newcastle are understood to have been on the search for new players and a source at the club confirmed the interest in Bridges, who's ability to find the back of the net will be a boon for a side that has played some attractive football this season, but struggled to convert opportunities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooj 17 Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Shame what happened to Bridges with his injuries like as when he was at Leeds looked like he was going to be a very good player. Poor for us like (but that was as he was never the same after the injuries and being played out wide). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Besty 4 Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 They're not called Newcastle United Jets though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooj 17 Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 They're not called Newcastle United Jets though... Brilliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammynb 3640 Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 They're not called Newcastle United Jets though... Are but they are! Go look for yourself. http://www.newcastlejets.com.au/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammynb 3640 Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Manson 0 Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 I was worried for a second there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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