Former Newcastle Jets skipper Michael Bridges has come out of retirement to return to the club for another season.
Former Newcastle Jets skipper Michael Bridges has come out of retirement to return to the club for another season.
Bridges was forced to quit the game after an ongoing knee injury last season heavily curtailed his campaign.
But the 33-year-old will once again don the Newcastle shirt after being re-signed by the club on Monday morning.
The signing wasn’t without its complications, though, as his recruitment was dependent on former Iraqi midfielder Ali Abbas being issued a dispensation from the FFA to become a squad member rather than one of the club’s visa players.
This was because, Abbas has applied to become an Australian citizen, having sought asylum in this country during 2007.
Having looked good at training over the past fortnight, Bridges feels he’s ready to return to a Jets’ side that’s defied the pre-season sacking of Branko Culina to win three of their first five matches this campaign.
“I still feel like I have something to offer and after a rest, the body is feeling great,” Bridges said.
“I’ve had an eight-week trial to see how the body held up and then had to show Gary (van Egmond) over the last two weeks that I was still up to it.”
“It has been great to see what happens off the field through my role at the club, but you are a long time retired and I am just so excited to get another chance to play for the Jets.”
“Whatever role is required of me, I am just happy to be a part of the team and I will contribute in whatever way I can.”
Jets coach Gary van Egmond is delighted to welcome Bridges back to the side, where he will team up with another new acquisition, former Everton striker Francis Jeffers, who was signed by the club last week.
“Since I have been head coach, Michael has certainly impressed on and off the field,” van Egmond said.
“With his experience and knowledge he will be a fantastic acquisition for our team.”
