Basketball
Bridge Joins Eagles
22 August 2007
Newcastle Eagles are delighted to announce that they have added England guard Andrew Bridge to their roster for a sixth consecutive season.
Bridge has been a cornerstone of the club's success in recent years and is part of player coach Fab Flournoy's desire to pursue his policy of continuity when it comes to recruitment.
The Chesterfield born player, who is also a Commonwealth Bronze medalist, has developed and matured into a pivotal player and is also in the running to be named as the club's new captain in the wake of TJ Walker's departure during the summer.
Fab Flournoy is particularly relieved to have persuaded Bridge to stay with the club for another season and is hoping for more of the same from him.
"To get Bridgey back again was a no-brainer for both myself and Paul (Blake) and we are just pleased that we managed to hang on to him. He is the model professional and has developed into someone who gives us stability and a solid contribution whenever he plays.
"He always gives his all and is willing to lay his body on the line defensively. In many of our games Bridgey will be on the court down the stretch when we need his ability to play tough defence and that is invaluable to us."
Flournoy added "He is a vital part of our system and has been instrumental in the success that we have achieved. He is now one of our most experienced players and we will be looking for him to use his experience to help any new guys that we have or are likely to bring in."
Bridge meanwhile is also hoping for more of the same after developing with every season in his five years so far with the club.
He said, " I don't think the way I approach my role will change this season. I am just going to do what is needed to get the job done and help the team achieve what we need to.
"If the team need me to score then I will score and if they need me to play defence or rebound then I will do that too.
"I guess I am flexible in that respect as I remember that at the start of last year we didn't have too many rebounders, so I contributed in that department, then when TJ (Walker) was injured I had to score more and handled the ball more."
Bridge is the third Eagles player to be signed by player-coach Flournoy ahead of the forthcoming 2007/08 BBL season and more announcements are expected within the next couple of weeks as the New Yorker looks to complete his roster.
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