Bridges, Michael

Leed United & England

Birthdate: August 5, 1978
Birthplace: North Shields, England
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 77 kg
Position: Forward
International: 0 caps, 0 goals
World Cups: 0
Previous Clubs: Sunderland
Transfer Fee: $7.50 Millions of Dollars
Michael became United's record signing when he arrived in a &pound5M move from Sunderland, two weeks before the 1999/2000 season and he quickly established himself as the fans favourite with a superb start to his career at Elland Road, including scoring a hat-trick in only his second appearance for Leeds. Bridges went on to notch over 20 goals in his first full season in a white shirt, a fantastic achievement for a youngster playing his first full year in the Premiership and in Europe. The England U-21 international became David O'Leary's fourth 1999 close season signing, as he continued to build a talented and young squad, that he hopes will develop into one of the major forces in European football over the next decade. Looks more of a complete forward player every game. Holds the ball up well to allow other players to support. Scores some good goals but also tap-ins. Signed for &pound5 million but looks worth the money splashed out on him with his goal return.