retirement On 7 November 2011, Bridges returned from retirement signing a contract with the Jets until the end of the 2011–12 season. Bridges then played his first game back against Melbourne Victory which the Jets won 3–0. Bridges scored his first goal after his return to football in a 3–0 win over Melbourne Heart. Since then he has been a starter in the attacking midfield role. On 14 March 2013, Bridges extended his contract with the Jets for another season. Bridges' agreement includes involvement with the Emerging Jets program in the off-season. Bridges followed up this extension by scoring a goal in 1–1 draw with Adelaide United the following day. Lambton Jaffas FC In February 2015, Bridges signed a one-year contract with the Lambton Jaffas FC in the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW. Post-playing career After retiring from playing in 2015, Bridges took his coaches badges and, in April 2018, lodged an interest in managing Football League 2 side Carlisle United. As of 2021, he is a pundit for Optus Sport in Australia. He was the manager of National Premier Leagues Northern NSW team Edgeworth FC from 2020–2021. Honours Sunderland Football League First Division, Championship (II): 1995–96, 1998–99, 2004–05 Carlisle United Football League Two (IV): 2006 References External links Newcastle Jets profile Michael Bridges at LeedsUnited.com 1978 births Living people Sportspeople from North Shields Association football forwards English footballers Footballers from Tyne and Wear England youth international footballers England under-21 international footballers English expatriate footballers Sunderland A.F.C. players Leeds United F.C. players Newcastle United F.C. players Bolton Wanderers F.C. players Bristol City F.C. players Carlisle United F.C. players Hull City A.F.C. players Sydney FC players Milton Keynes Dons F.C. players Newcastle Jets FC players Premier League players English Football League players A-League Men players National Premier Leagues players Wallsend Boys Club players Expatriate soccer players in Australia Marquee players (A-League Men) Naturalised soccer players of Australia