Former Leeds United forward Michael Bridges has been the subject of some discussion on Twitter recently. @LUFCHistory posted some footage of a goal scored by the now-retired striker at Goodison Park versus Everton.
Bridges played the ball out to the right before receiving it back and after one touch to control it, from the edge of the penalty area he fired home leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and here is what the fans have had to say about it.
What a beautiful goal
— John Paul Redmond (@john_leeds25) March 30, 2020
Classy player.. great poise and balance if hadn’t got injured he would have been some player for us
— David Hills (@dm_hills) March 30, 2020
For me @MickyBridges8 could have gone onto be Leeds grearest striker. Such a shame the injury stole us of that. Absolute quality player
— ??Paul Brace ?? (@paulbrace66) March 30, 2020
Absolute genius! The adjustment minimal but pure class. @MickyBridges8 one of the biggest and cruelest shames that injury shattered what could’ve been a 100+ goal legend #lufc
— Richard Smith?? (@smudge2504) March 30, 2020
A talented player for sure. Career cut too short, too soon.
— J Che Hall (@jonhall8336) March 31, 2020
Did Michael Bridges have the talent to go on to bigger and better things?
Yes
No
Pure class so talented MOT.
— R.Cartwright ?? (@rogercart57) March 30, 2020
He was absolutely immense when we signed him. Incredible season.
— BobbyH?? (@BobbyHarrold) March 30, 2020
What do we think?
It’s clear from the responses that the Leeds United faithful remain highly appreciative of Michael Bridges’ talents and believe that had it not been for injuries, he could have gone on to much bigger and better things.
He made 76 appearances for the Whites, during which he scored 21 goals (via Transfermarkt.co.uk). Having joined from Sunderland in 1999 for £6.75m, his Leeds United career came to an end in July 2004 when he signed for Bolton on a free transfer.
Bridges finished his career in Australia with the Newcastle United Jets where he retired in 2014.