Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions Sydney FC bolstered one of the most potent strike forces in the competition today after re-signing Mark Bridge for a further two seasons.
Hyundai A-League 2010 Champions Sydney FC bolstered one of the most potent strike forces in the competition today after re-signing Mark Bridge for a further two seasons.
Bridge, 24, will lead the Sky Blues attack alongside Alex Brosque for at least the next three A-League seasons as his new deal commences at the conclusion of the 2010/11 campaign.
Sydney FC-s title defence gets underway at the Sydney Football Stadium tomorrow night in replay of last year-s Grand Final against Melbourne Victory (8pm kick-off).
“We are the reigning champions and we have a good set-up here with some good young players coming through,” Bridge said. “We have everything here and I-m more than happy.”
“I believe our coaching staff is probably the best in the league and with the players here I can improve over the next two seasons.
“We had a great year last year but I am, and I know all of the boys are, hungry for more. It is a great environment to be in here at Sydney FC.”
Bridge, who scored nine goals for Sydney FC last season, including one in the Grand Final, is known for finding the back of the net at the most crucial times.
The 2008 Beijing Olympian has played 44 games for Sydney FC, netting 13 goals and in partnership with Brosque has light up the A-League since his arrival to the Harbour City in 2008.
“I never thought of leaving Sydney FC,” Bridge said. “The question isn-t ‘why would I stay’ but more ‘why would I go?-” Bridge said. “We have worked really hard this preseason and I am just now ready to get out there and play.”
“Brosquey and I do have a good partnership. Our whole team works together and that-s enjoyable.”
Sydney FC Vice Chairman Scott Barlow said the retention of Bridge, hot on the heels of the club re-signing Brosque and adding Nicky Carle, Liam Reddy and Scott Jamieson, is fantastic news for the club.
“At just 24-years-of-age Mark is already a very important member of the Sydney FC squad,” Barlow said.
“We are very confident his best football years are ahead of him and we are very happy that he will be at Sydney FC during that period.”
