Sam Explains Bridges Move

Last updated : 22 September 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has explained his reasons for allowing striker Micheal Bridges to return to Sunderland.

The 26-year old only joined the Wanderers three months ago following a bitter- sweet spell at Leeds United and was looking to re-launch his career at the Reebok Stadium.

However the recent loan signing of El-Hadji Diouf and the strong competition for places at Bolton meant that the North-Shields born player found himself out of the first team equation as the fifth choice striker.

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy was looking to bring in a new striker due to an injury crisis at the Stadium of Light and local boy Bridges, who began his career on Wearside eight years ago, was seen as the top target.

Upon hearing the Black Cats interest, Sam Allardyce decided that it was best for Bridges to return to his native North East in an attempt to get some regular first team football - something which the Wanderers boss felt could not be guarenteed had he stayed in Lancashire.

"It's the strength of the squad that has allowed me to let Michael leave. He needs first team football on a regular basis but, because of the players we have here now, it was difficult to see where he was going to force his way into the side." Allardyce told the Bolton Evening News

"That's the idea behind the move. It is good for us and it will be good for him if he goes and grabs his place at Sunderland, which is where he started."

Bridges is expected to complete the move back to the Championship club in time to face his old club Leeds United over the weekend.