Ex-Leeds star Bridges: Kewell a big factor in me joining Newcastle

Former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges has revealed that old teammate Harry Kewell had a lot to do with him returning to Australia.

The 32-year old first played in the A-League when on loan with Sydney FC in 2007 but decided to return last year to sign with Newcastle Jets.

Bridges, who has also had stints with Sunderland, Newcastle United and Hull City among others, admitted it was former Leeds star Kewell (now in Turkey with Galatasaray) who had an influence on him leaving England to take up a two-year contract with the Jets.

“Harry was a big factor in me coming to the Jets. He followed up to see if I could come to the Jets last season and the rest is history,” Bridges revealed to FIFA.com.

“We had great times (at Leeds). There was myself Harry Kewell, Jacob Burns, Mark Viduka, Danny Milosevic the goalkeeper, we had Paul Okon (all Australians). We had a very, very close knit family at Leeds United, hence the success on and off the field.”

Bridges added that he feels the A-League has grown a lot stronger since he was here a few years ago and says it is all positive for the direction of the sport down under.

“On the field I have noticed that teams are a lot tougher overall. There are a lot of players coming in that really want to make an impression,” he added.

“It is good because the more players that come with ambition the stronger the league gets. There is also more teams in the league which is a great thing. There is a fantastic youth policy now in some areas, and that is what you need. The country needs experience, but also youth to fly the Socceroos flag in the future.”