The Newcastle Jets have received a huge boost with the news English import Michael Bridges has extended his contract until the end of the 2012 A-League season.
Bridges has been in sparkling form for the Jets since his return to the A-League in October scoring four goals in seven matches and the club was keen to retain his services for the next two seasons.
“I am absolutely delighted,” Bridges told the media on Wednesday. “It has been fantastic since I have come here both on and off the field.”
“The people in the area have been great and to sit down and extend the contract was an easy decision.”
“I sat down with the Missus and the kids kept pointing to the beach and it seemed obvious what we were going to do.”
“But it is not just the off-field stuff. The way we performed against Sydney and the number of young lads coming through is great and I want to be part of that and pass my knowledge onto those guys for the future.”
Bridges revealed he felt he had something to prove in the A-League after he was not offered a contract with Sydney FC following on from a loan deal a couple of seasons ago.
He feels he has done that now and is looking forward to a rosy future with the Newcastle club.
“When I left Sydney there were a few people who had some bad things to say about us so I am glad I have had the opportunity to come back and prove them wrong,” he said.
“I made no secret I wanted to come back to the A-League and have another go but I knew I had to perform to win a contract and I wanted that since I have been here.”
“After being here a few weeks I knew I wanted to extend my contract – that was my aim and I am delighted.”
The 31-year-old echoed his sentiments about the Newcastle region and the club and indicated he would even consider staying on after this contract has run its course.
“(Coach) Branko (Culina) has given me the opportunity to come back and work under him again and I have thoroughly enjoyed it,” Bridges said.
“Seriously, about four days after arriving I knew I wanted to make a go of it and stay. I just loved the place and loved the area. The club is fantastic, the gym facilities are fantastic and the Newcastle area suits the lifestyle I want to have off the park and if you are happy off the park it helps with your form.”
“I want to play as long as I can. My friend (former English Premier League player) Dean Windass played until he was 40. I don’t think I will go that long but I want to be here for the long run.”
“I am delighted to have extended the contract which will take me up to 33 and I am sure I will still have some ammunition in the legs after that.”
