| After announcing his retirement in April of this year, former Sunderland and Leeds striker Michael Bridges has been announced as a surprise addition to the Newcastle Jets squad for the remainder of the 2011-2012, effective immediately.
Bridges played in the England Under-18’s alongside household names Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Michael Owen. The 33-year old striker then went on to make more than 200 appearances in the Premier League during spells with the Black Cats, Leeds and Newcastle (on loan).
Bridges moved to the Newcastle Jets in 2009 and scored six goals in 15 appearances during his first season in Australia. He became the club's first overseas-born captain at the start of the 2010-11 season, before being hampered by a knee injury.
After announcing his retirement earlier this year Bridges took up a role with the Jets as international football and business development manager.
In September 2011, he accepted an invitation to resume training with the Jets, which reignited his desire to play at top level. He was also feeling fitter than he has in some time and signed back on with the Jets during Round 6, for the remainder of the 2011/12 season. |