Bridges is deciding future after release
Jun 3 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
MICHAEL Bridges is refusing to rush into a decision over his future after being released by Hull City yesterday.
Carlisle United had been waiting for confirmation that the former Sunderland and Newcastle United forward was no longer part of the Tigers’ plans before making their latest move to sign him.
But the 30-year-old has told Greg Abbott he will have to wait until he returns from his summer holiday.
Bridges was on a season-long loan from Hull last term, scoring eight goals in the process, and the Cumbrians are anxious to make the move permanent.
“Michael is away on holiday at the moment, but we did speak before he left so I could get some kind of idea about how he was thinking,” explained Carlisle manager Abbott.
“What he wanted to do was take a bit of a break to allow his agent to gather all of the offers he may have to consider together, and then he could move things on from there.
“He told me he would speak to me as soon as he gets back. It stands to reason he will want to look at all of the interest there is, and he’ll make a decision from there.
“As a player, he can make a real impact, as we have already seen. When he is on his game he is very creative and, when he’s playing well, he shines like a beacon. He has genuine ability and what we have to do is make sure if he does come to the club, he is at the forefront of what we are trying to do.”
Milton Keynes Dons and long-time admirers Hartlepool United are also thought to be monitoring the situation. The North Shields’ born player joined Hull in a £350,000 transfer three years ago but is now available on a free transfer. His previous spell at Brunton Park started as a loan – from Bristol City – which was made permanent.
Meanwhile, right-back David Raven is on the verge of signing a new contract with the Cumbrians.
Abbott held “positive and constructive” talks with the 24-year-old yesterday and is confident the defender will put pen to paper before the end of the week. “It was very positive with David this afternoon, and it looks like he is going to come on board with a one-year deal in the next couple of days or so,” Abbott said.
“That suits the player and, to be honest, it suits the club as well. We talked about it and that length of deal will keep him hungry and keen to play as well as he can, not least to make sure that he keeps himself at the fore of what we are trying to achieve.
“It’s a good decision because I think he ended the season in a very strong way. Defensively he was solid and he showed a lot of character, and he’s the kind of person you do want around the place.”
