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CLUB
CAREER
Sunderland
Bridges emerged as one of the Premier League's most
promising young strikers during the 1996–97 season at
Sunderland, but was unable to save them from relegation.
Two years later he helped them return to the Premiership
and joined Leeds United for £5million soon afterwards.
He made a total of 79 Appearances at Sunderland, and
scored 16 Goals.
Leeds United
In his first season at Elland Road, Bridges scored 19
Premiership goals and helped his side finish third in
the Premiership, qualify for the Champions' League and
reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup. At his time at
Leeds United he played along some upcoming stars such as
Australians Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka as well as
Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand. Bridges was
plagued with injuries over the next 4 seasons of his
Leeds United career, only making 10 appearances and not
scoring any goals.
Newcastle United
As a result of his injuries he was loaned out to
Newcastle United in January 2004 in order to help
alleviate their striker crisis. After only making a
single start for Newcastle, on the right wing as opposed
to in his favoured striking role, Bridges was out of
contract in the summer of 2004 with his contract not
being renewed due to his injury problems, he made only 6
appearances for Newcastle, and failed to score in any of
those matches.
Unsettled
He was quickly snapped up by Bolton Wanderers but only
figured in one League Cup game. Released by Bolton he
spent the rest of the season back at the Stadium of
Light with Sunderland before joining Bristol City.
Carlisle United
His spell at Ashton Gate ended in November 2005, and he
joined Carlisle United, becoming perhaps their most
influential player in their successful promotion charge
into League One. Bridges' 15 goals made him very popular
in Carlisle and thanks to them he restablished his
football career, but the fans were sad when he decided
to leave Brunton Park on Transfer deadline day, 31
August 2006. It was reported that Hull City had a
£250,000 bid for Bridges turned down, and that because
of this, Bridges handed in a transfer request. Hull
returned with an improved bid of £350,000, and this was
accepted.
Hull City
His first season at Hull was largely disappointing.
However, he did earn the Tigers their first league win
of the season with a spectacular goal against Leicester
City but through a combination of injuries (back and
ankle), suspension (following a sending off in a reserve
game) and simply not being selected, he made only 8
starts and 7 substitute appearances for the Tigers.
Due to lack of first team opportunity at Hull, Bridges
was allowed to leave on loan for a short term deal at
Australian side Sydney FC on 15 October 2007.
In the same season he rejected a loan move to League One
side Crewe Alexandra F.C..
Sydney FC
He scored his first league goal for the club on November
3 in the 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets,[5], but has found
inconsistent form since. A viral infection forced him to
miss two matches away at Adelaide and Wellington finding
it hard to regain favour of coach John Kosmina. He
returned to the Sydney first team in January as a
substitute against Queensland Roar.
After just 9 games and 2 goals Bridges returned to Hull
after the expiration of his 6 month loan deal.
Return to Carlisle United
On 24 July 2008, Bridges returned to Carlisle, on a
season-long loan deal. The club will have first option
on signing him permanently, at the end of the loan, as
his Hull City contract comes to an end.
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