Quakers eye Bridges move
Jun 27 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
COLIN Todd has confirmed Darlington are eyeing an audacious swoop for former Carlisle striker Michael Bridges – but stressed that the move is still in its early stages.
The prognosis for the cash-strapped Quakers is looking much rosier after the club’s creditors accepted the administrators proposals to repay them 0.9p in the pound of their £7.8m debt.
Thursday’s agreement means that Darlington should be able to move out of administration in a matter of days – allowing them to start the season with no points deduction and a clean slate ahead of next season’s League Two campaign.
That impressive progress off the field has been matched by the recruitment efforts of new boss Todd, who is close to finalising his squad for the new season.
He still has a vacancy up front, however, and admits that he is interested in signing former Hull City forward Bridges – and possibly partnering him with ex-Tigers team-mate Dean Windass.
“There have been a lot of names bandied about this summer,” Todd said. “But Michael’s is a name that I have had in my mind. We’ve not done anything on that name at the moment but we’re looking for forwards and he’s a good player.
“Obviously the news about the creditors gives everyone a lift and it probably does help us attract the few remaining players that we need to bring in.
“There have been so many doubts surrounding the club over the last few months, this is just a sign that we’re getting back to normal and that the signs are very positive ones.”
Carlisle still retain hopes of re-signing Bridges, who was released by Hull after spending last season on loan at Brunton Park, but a move back to the North East might appeal to the former Newcastle and Sunderland man. Manager Greg Abbott said he hoped to make progress on securing the striker’s signature “over the weekend”.
The Cumbrians have also had to cut back on their wage bill after a disappointing League One campaign and with his mixed injury record including injury-prone Bridges in a scaled back squad may be seen as a risk.
His record of seven goals in 30 appearances last season, however, is an illustration of Bridges’ enduring class and Carlisle supporters would be disappointed to see him drop into League Two.
Darlington’s need for striking reinforcements was emphasised by Pawel Abbott’s decision to join former boss Dave Penney at Oldham Athletic yesterday.
The 27-year-old, who notched 17 goals in 42 appearances for the Quakers, has signed a two-year deal under his former boss at Boundary Park.
Meanwhile, Carlisle boss Abbott hopes to make two additions to his squad before the Cumbrians return to pre-season training next week.
One is Hartlepool winger Matty Robson, while Abbott also hopes to complete a deal for an unnamed striker. The deal for Robson has been on the cards for a while, and Carlisle are hoping to tie up the remaining loose ends over the weekend.
“He is a player in a position we need – a left-sider who can get crosses in, who has got pace and lots of energy,” Abbott said.
“We are doing our best to make the deal happen. I’ve spent most of my holidays speaking to Matty and his agent trying to fix it up.
“There is a complication but I’m working like mad to try and resolve that. The club has made him a terrific offer, is doing everything in its power to get Matty to the club, and now we need to wait for Matty and his people to come forward and make sure it happens.”
Abbott has distanced himself from a move for Bury hot-shot Andy Bishop, however.
