Newcastle Eagles have struck a deal with club captain Andrew Bridge to remain on Tyneside for another season in what will be his seventh successive campaign with the club.

Having led the side to the BBL league title in his first year as captain having taken the mantle from TJ Walker, Chesterfield born Bridge is now eager to help the team to lift even more silverware in 2008-09.

He explained “I am looking forward to it as I think we will be looking to make some changes and re-load as a club and get back to winning those big important games again.”

“Obviously it was a pretty easy decision to come back. It was a simple process and actually taken care off a few months ago back in March but it has just taken some time to get round to the formality of signing the contract.”

“We were the most consistent team in the league and that was reflected in our 29-4 record but in the one-off games we came up just a little short far too much.”

“Apart from the game against the Scottish Rocks in the Cup semi-final and that incredible game against Guildford to win the league, we didn’t do what we should be doing.” continued Bridge.

“When we re-load this summer we have to ensure players who might be new as well as those players we retain, all recognise that we have to step up both individually and as a team next year if we want to win more trophies for the club and continue our success.”

The guard re-joins player coach Fab Flournoy and BBL Player of the Year Lynard Stewart in re-signing for the title winners and that according to Paul Blake is essential for the club moving forward.

“To have our player-coach, the best player in the league and our captain as our first three signings for next season is fantastic because it gives us a solid foundation yet again.”

“Bridgey is great for us as an organisation both on and off the court and now he has already done 6 years I guess he could be described as a veteran, even though he is only 28 and relatively young.”

“With his experience and the fact he has worked tremendously hard to establish himself in the league and the team, I am confident that we aren’t about to give up on challenging for silverware just yet.”

The club will be announcing further signings in forthcoming weeks.