After re-signing with the Jets, Michael Bridges says he is ready to get stuck into the rigours of pre-season training.
After re-signing with the Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets for another season, striker Michael Bridges says he is ready to get stuck into the rigours of pre-season training.
Bridges came out of a premature retirement to take the field 17 times for the Jets in 2011/12.
The 33-year-old said the work he has done with the Jets- strength and conditioning staff was a big reason behind his comeback last year as well as his desire to play again this season.
“I feel fit and I feel ready,” Bridges said.
“It-s another four months of prehab and doing gym work and that will put me in good stead (for the upcoming season).
“You can tell by the injuries that we didn-t have last season how far we-ve come off the field and it has been great for all the lads.”
Bridges said he is determined to make a big contribution to what he is confident will be a successful season for the Jets.
“Obviously it-s up to the manager, but I-ll be hoping to get a lot more minutes on the park and to be starting more games,” he said.
“The competition for places is going to be hard so any part I can play would be great.
“But you want to play and score as many goals as you can and just be a part of it.
“Hopefully we can get in the top six and go one better than we did last year.”
Having played in Europe for a number of years, Bridges- experience could prove invaluable when it comes to guiding the younger members of the Jets- squad.
“I-ll be taking on the same role I have been since I arrived here on day one,” he said.
“I always wanted to be a leader on and off the park, but also to influence the young boys, take a few of them under my wing and help them along the way.
“What we-ve seen in the last few weeks we-ve got a lot of young kids who have come in and they-ve been sensational.
“We-ve only seen them the last few days but they-ve brought this enthusiasm and that rubs off on us older boys and it gives you a new lease of life and hopefully they can learn things off us in other parts of the field as well.“
