Michael Bridges will get a close-up look at Paul Simpson’s second Carlisle United revolution this week.
The former Blues star has been invited to spend some time with the United manager at Brunton Park in the build-up to this weekend’s game against Stevenage.
It comes after Bridges flew in from Australia to play in Sunday’s legends game at Carlisle’s ground, rolling back the years with an impressive goal in the process (see below).
The striker whose talent lit up Brunton Park during Simpson’s first spell in charge says he’s looking forward to spending some more time back at the club.
“I’m looking forward to coming back in and seeing Simmo and Geoff [Haugh] in the club on Thursday and Friday before the game on Saturday,” Bridges told the News & Star.
“Simmo has done me the honour of saying I can come in and have a look round the club, and meet [assistant manager] Gavin Skelton and the rest of the staff, just to see what’s going on.”
Bridges’ affection for the Blues was underlined when he returned among a host of fellow former stars for Sunday’s memorable 1994/5 v 2005/6 legends game.
And the 43-year-old, who is looking to further his coaching and management ambitions back in England, says he is thrilled to see the job his old boss has done a second time around at Carlisle.
“I’m just delighted Simmo’s come in and done the job and the club’s survived,” Bridges said.
“It's been unbelievable. The fans got behind it, embraced it, the players lifted – and Simmo’s personality is crucial.
“There are lots of coaches out there that are tactical geniuses, there’s a lot who are charismatic – but Simmo’s got both in his locker.
“The players respected that, I think, when they changed from the last manager. He’s lifted them on and off the field.”
Simpson is in talks with United’s hierarchy over the possibility of him remaining in charge.
Bridges believes the Cumbrian remaining in charge would be the ideal scenario for the club and community provided everything is to Simpson’s satisfaction.
“That’s what everybody wants but, like Simmo says, everything’s got to be right for his side, in terms of the club – what’s the direction and future?” he said.
“If I was in a similar situation I’d want to ask the same questions. You don’t just take a job off the back of it if there’s no future and vision.
“We’ll wait and see. If everything comes together, I think everybody in the community and world that is a Carlisle fan wants to see Simmo at the helm.”
Bridges, whose 15 goals and skilful play were at the heart of United’s last title victory in 2005/6, rolled back the years in Sunday’s reunion game.
He produced a memorable moment in the second half by flicking the ball up and volleying it home from outside the box for the 05/06 team’s fourth goal.
It was reminiscent of the former top-flight star’s heyday and Bridges received a warm reception from United’s supporters once more.
“It was fantastic,” he said of Sunday’s event.
“What I loved was just being in the dressing room with the lads, seeing all their faces, asking what everybody was up to, what they were doing with their lives now.
“It was the same banter – everyone was abusing each other in the same way we did back then – we still haven’t grown up in that respect.
“And walking out and seeing the fans...we didn’t know how many would turn up. It was an incredible turnout and we’re thankful for them coming out.”
Bridges received an ovation when he appeared on the pitch as fans reminisced about the ex-Sunderland and Leeds man’s starring role in his playing days with United.
“A few of the lads mentioned that when we lined up – ‘Oh, here we go, it’s the Bridgey show’,” he smiled. “I got a bit of stick. But it’s just nice to be remembered.
“To fly back from Australia, it’s a hell of a trip. I picked up Brendan McGill from Newcastle airport, because he’d also just flown in…and it was just lovely coming back.
“I thought I might have got emotional but I held it back…”
Bridges also enjoyed his moment of magic back on the Brunton Park pitch.
Describing his goal, he added: “I got the ball on the edge of the box and said, ‘I’m taking this, Murph [Peter Murphy]’.
“He says. ‘Alright, but I’ve got a plan – if I backheel it to you, Karl Hawley will make a run, and you flick it over to Karl’.
“I said, ‘Yeah, we’ll do that’. Murph did the backheel, Karl made his run and I thought, ‘Stuff that, I’m flicking this up and hitting it…
“I remember doing something similar against Northampton for Carlisle. I just wanted something for the fans to remember, if it came off…
“It came off my knee, my shin, my ankle and my toe – but it went in.”
Bridges, meanwhile, is keen to establish himself back in the English game, having built up his qualifications Down Under and been head coach of Edgeworth Eagles, as well as carving out a media career in Australia.
“I’m enjoying the coaching, and I’m just waiting to get my opportunity over in England,” he said.
“It’s a great lifestyle [in Australia] but nothing beats coming back.”
READ MORE: Stephane Pounewatchy on his 'special' Carlisle United return at legends game
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