…and we’re not talking about Ormondroyd’s little cartoon characters on the Guardian’s footy website, either – Bolton Wanderers have confirmed today that one-time Sunderland striker Michael Bridges is in talks with Sunderland about a return to the club where he began his professional career.
The player that many of us called “Stickman” is currently in negotations with a view to a permanent transfer.
Bridges, 26, was linked with a return to us in the close-season but made a shock move instead to Sam Allardyce’s team on a free transfer from Leeds United.
But he has yet to kick a ball competitively for Wanderers’ senior squad, and they’re willing to let him go, with the Stadium of Light seemingly being Mickey’s preferred destination.
North Shields-born Bridges’ first spell at Sunderland began in November 1995 when he signed for Sunderland as a trainee, and he remained with us through the move from Roker to the Stadium of Light, leaving shortly after promotion to the Premiership in the summer of 1999. During his time with us, he made 92 senior appearances for us, netting 21 times in the process. Sadly he left under a cloud, with Peter Reid questioning his commitment to the club, and signed for Leeds United for £5m.
Sadly, his career at Elland Road was punctuated by injury lay-offs but in a five year spell there he put in 82 senior appearances and scored 21 goals. Towards the end of his spell at Leeds, he went on a three-month loan to Newcastle United, making nine appearances.
Should he sign in the next few days, he will almost certainly be eligible to line up for us against Leeds for our League match at Elland Road on Friday evening.
Tickets for Friday’s match at Elland Road are on general sale from Ticketmaster and also the SAFC ticket office (0191-551-5151) priced at £22 adults/£15 concessions.
The away supporters’ guide to Leeds United is here.
