Hero Bridges returns for United
Last updated 08:37, Friday, 25 July 2008
Former Carlisle United favourite Michael Bridges has returned to the club on loan in time for the new season.
The 29-year-old striker has signed a contract that will see him come back to Brunton Park, where he was a key member of the club's League Two championship-winning team in 2005-6 before being transferred to Hull City for £350,000.
He signed the contract with Carlisle after two of the club's owners - John Nixon and Steve Pattison - drove to Hexham on Thursday to meet him from his North East base to conclude the deal as soon as possible.
Michael will train with the Blues today (Friday) and is included in the squad to take on Preston North End in a pre-season fixture at home on Saturday (kick off 3pm).
The ex-England Under-21 striker - once transferred from Sunderland to Leeds for £5 million - remains a hugely popular figure among Blues fans after scoring 12 goals in 23 League two appearances for the club which propelled them to the title.
He has signed a one-season loan deal with Carlisle United until May 31, 2009 after successful wage negotiations with City and the player.
His contract with Hull City runs out in the summer of 2009 and United will have first option on signing Michael after that.
Carlisle United's managing director John Nixon said: "Because of the set of circumstances surrounding Michael's contract with Hull City, a 10-month loan was the most cost-effective way we could agree with them and Michael of tying up this deal for Carlisle United.
"We signed Michael on a free from Bristol City and then sold him to Hull for £350,000 after winning the League Two championship with him - and now he returns to Carlisle United again.
"His arrival is a big step forward for us but I would like to add that we are still trying to bring in another player before the start of the new season."
Bridges will be officially unveiled at a media conference today at 9am. Full details will appear on the News & Star website.
- For this and more United news see today's Cumberland News
I am absoultly over the moon weve got bridgy back now we just need hawley to come on loan come on john get the buisness done and we will be up there next season.your most favourite fan in the world.tommy kelton.
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well done the new owners 2 free transfers and 1 loan signing to sofen the blow of selling garner to forrest on a 4 year contract after blacburns money nearly a million combined with westwood and havent spent a penny thought them days had gone just hope we dont struggle we need midfielders and strikers and ward looks at an 18 year old full back get a grip ward 4-5-1 again this season new manager in please taxi for john ward
Posted by joe cufc on 25 July 2008 kl. 20:26