Newcastle's Michael Bridges (R) has forced a rethink within the club about his playing future. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Daily Telegraph
SKILFUL Newcastle Jets playmaker Michael Bridges has forced a rethink within the club about his playing future only a few weeks after being told he wasn't wanted for next season.
In a prime example of the fickle nature of professional sport, Bridges is back in favour again on the strength of his rousing 66-minute stint in the Jets' 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart last Friday.
Making his first starting appearance in almost 12 months, the popular 34-year-old Englishman was given a huge home crowd reception.
And he didn't disappoint, helping to spark Newcastle's stuttering attack before earning a well-earned rest deep into the second half.
There are no guarantees yet about a new deal and all will hinge on how he performs during the run-in to the play-offs. But it's understood the Jets are now open-minded at the very least about the possibility of extending his contract.
Jets CEO Robbie Middleby was not keen to speculate yesterday on what may or may not happen with Bridges going forward.
But a Jets source confirmed the door was no longer completely closed to him staying on as a player.
"He might put some pressure on now if he keeps playing like that," he said.
Jets coach Gary van Egmond said the same squad who took care of the Heart will line in another vital clash against Brisbane Roar on Friday night.
New midfield signing Zenon Caravella, outstanding in his first starting game for the club, believes the Jets' new-look team and structure that worked so well against Heart is the way forward for the club.
"I've only just come in three weeks ago but look, it felt like it was a good formation. It just felt right on the field," he said.
"But there are a lot of very good players in the team so if you get another player to come into the team and play in that formation, I'm sure they would do a good job."
Jets assistant coach Craig Deans emphasised the need to back up Friday's win with another strong performance.
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