Michael Bridges was a mixed-up kid. His beloved late father would take him to see Newcastle United, but his adulation for Chris Waddle migrated to White Hart Lane and to this day he remains a Tottenham fan. Michael signed for Sunderland – much to his dad’s horror – and nowadays is Australian ambassador for Leeds United, the club at which he excelled.

We hear about swapping jerseys with Alessandro Costacurta and how David Batty told Michael that he had ‘arrived’ at Leeds after he scored a superb goal against Southampton. Peter Reid and Eddie Gray were massive coaching influences. Lucas Radebe, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka were on-field inspirations. Oh, and there’s being caught by his manager and fitness coach when about to munch into a hamburger.

Enjoy,

Graham

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