Michael Bridges
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Michael Bridges (born 5 August 1978 in North Shields) is a football centre-forward whose career has been severely blighted by injuries. He currently plays for Carlisle United F.C.
He emerged as one of the F.A. Premiership'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 £6million soon afterwards.
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.
But he was plagued by a series of injuries over the next four seasons, and was sent to Newcastle United on loan in January 2004. After only making a single start for Newcastle, on the right wing not in his favoured striking role, Bridges was out of contract in the summer of 2004. 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 before joining Bristol City.
His spell at Ashton Gate ended in November 2005, and since then he has been employed by Carlisle United as perhaps their most influential player in their successful promotion charge into League One. Michael's goals have lead to a great popularity in Carlisle, and the fans hope that he will stay at Brunton Park for their 2006/7 campaign.
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