Leeds United Football Club - Bridges Needs Change
United manager Eddie Gray has wished Michael Bridges well as he looks to relaunch his career at Newcastle.
Bridges left Elland Road for Tyneside on a three month loan deal that will take him through to the end of the season, after which his contract with The Whites expires and he becomes a free agent.
The former England under-21 star's best season at United was his first full one in which he scored 21 goals to help the club into the Champions League, but a succession of serious injuries accounted for him spending nearly two years on the sidelines.
After returning from another injury this season, Bridges had made twelve appearances in all competitions this season but has only appeared in the starting line-up once.
Gray admitted he would have liked to have kept Bridges at the club, but accepted it was in the 25-year-old's best interests to move.
"I am a bit disappointed Michael has gone," said Eddie.
"Michael was due a change, I think he needed it. He was getting a little bit stale at the club and he came to see me and expressed a desire to go out on loan to get his career moving again.
"I wish him well for the future."
The only incoming player this transfer window was Newcastle's young centre-back Stephen Caldwell, who will spend the rest of the season with United and will be a useful addition argues Gray.
"I am delighted with Stephen Caldwell coming down here, he's a young centre-back who can give us other options. Stephen has played for his country and there's a lot of potential there."
Having Mark Viduka back in the camp is also a massive bonus for Leeds, his return from compassionate leave will enable Gray to include some fresh legs against Aston Villa on Saturday.
United manager Eddie Gray has wished Michael Bridges well as he looks to relaunch his career at Newcastle.
Bridges left Elland Road for Tyneside on a three month loan deal that will take him through to the end of the season, after which his contract with The Whites expires and he becomes a free agent.
The former England under-21 star's best season at United was his first full one in which he scored 21 goals to help the club into the Champions League, but a succession of serious injuries accounted for him spending nearly two years on the sidelines.
After returning from another injury this season, Bridges had made twelve appearances in all competitions this season but has only appeared in the starting line-up once.
Gray admitted he would have liked to have kept Bridges at the club, but accepted it was in the 25-year-old's best interests to move.
"I am a bit disappointed Michael has gone," said Eddie.
"Michael was due a change, I think he needed it. He was getting a little bit stale at the club and he came to see me and expressed a desire to go out on loan to get his career moving again.
"I wish him well for the future."
The only incoming player this transfer window was Newcastle's young centre-back Stephen Caldwell, who will spend the rest of the season with United and will be a useful addition argues Gray.
"I am delighted with Stephen Caldwell coming down here, he's a young centre-back who can give us other options. Stephen has played for his country and there's a lot of potential there."
Having Mark Viduka back in the camp is also a massive bonus for Leeds, his return from compassionate leave will enable Gray to include some fresh legs against Aston Villa on Saturday.