Former Sunderland and Newcastle United striker Michael Bridges has opened up about his “refreshing” return to St James’ Park last season. When the £300million Saudi-backed takeover was completed eight months ago, a cloud lifted on Tyneside as Mike Ashley’s 14-year reign of apathy came to an end.
An improved atmosphere inside the stadium combined with unprecedented hope for the future has fans relishing the future for the first time in a generation. North Shields native Bridges - who had a brief stint on Tyneside in 2004 - described the previous atmosphere under the Sports Direct tycoon as “horrible” and is glad to see supporters happy again.
Now living in Newcastle, Australia, the 43-year-old made the trip home to soak up the rejuvenated atmosphere as the Magpies recorded their first win of the season against Burnley in December. The hostilities that were a common occurrence under Ashley had gone and Bridges admits he was impressed by the new-found optimism.
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“Coming back to one of the games last season, it was my first time at St. James' Park since the takeover and you could just tell that there was no animosity,” he told ChronicleLive. “Beforehand, everything was directed at Mike Ashley and how the club was running on a shoestring budget. It was a horrible atmosphere.
“Whatever has gone on in the past, it was refreshing to see people happy again. I know some people were disappointed at the Saudi background, but they were (always) going to buy a football club. I was wanting them to buy a team I’d been affiliated with because all the investment means they are going to do things right, to make a stance at all levels of the game.”
Bridges also hailed the owners’ decision to appoint Eddie Howe as manager in their hour of need. Critics highlighted the former Bournemouth boss’ attacking style of play as a concern - as well as his recent Premier League relegation - for a side that could not buy a win.
However, Howe silenced the doubters by comfortably steering Newcastle clear of the relegation zone - earning a Manager of the Season nomination in the process. Ex-Toon striker Bridges believes his appointment was a masterstroke by the new regime.
“The biggest decision they made was getting Howe in,” he added. “I thought that was a stroke of genius because I had him touted for the England job when he was a Bournemouth manager.
“I rate the way he operates. You saw the players lift from Eddie and the investment. The players released if they wanted to be part of it, they had to up their game and I think it has brought the best out of everybody.”
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