Talismanic striker Michael Bridges has been named Newcastle’s club captain for the Jets’ Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season with well-travelled defender Ljubo Milicevic listed as vice-captain.
Bridges, 31, takes over as captain after the departure of former skipper Matt Thompson to Hyundai A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart and said it is a great honour to lead the club into new campaign.
“Obviously since the departure of our captain last season, we knew that there was a spot available and there were a few of the boys step forward for the honour,” said Bridges.
“Thankfully I’ve been given that role, it’s a great thing and I’m looking to take it on and show what we can do.”
“It’s great to have Ljubo alongside me and also we’ve got Kasey Wehrman who is another fantastic guy and a credit to this club as well.”
Bridges, who joined the Jets midway through last season, said he was keen to take a strong leadership role for the Jets on the field and out in the community.
“It’s on and off the park and thankfully the boys have been brilliant since I got here,” he said.
“The club has been awesome, everybody has welcomed me with open arms. So it’d be nice to repay that favour and hopefully we have another season where we can make good strides forward.”
Jets head coach Branko Culina indicated that Bridges and Milicevic’s European experience played a significant part in his decision to install them as captain and deputy for the forthcoming campaign.
“Both these guys have played at the very highest level and know what it takes to be leaders and how important it is to have quality leaders,” Culina said.
“I think that we’re quite blessed that we’ve got such a group of players who are capable of being leaders but these two in particular with their experience stand out.”
The Jets will continue their build-up for the upcoming season with a trial match against the Brisbane Roar in Port Macquarie on Sunday.
