Newcastle Eagles captain Andrew Bridge has re- signed for the club for an eighth successive season as the reigning BBL champions look to pursue the continuity that has served them so well in recent years.
Having arrived on Tyneside from Sheffield Sharks in the summer of 2002, Bridge has attained huge success with the Eagles and in his role as captain, managed to lift three trophies in 2008/09.
Coach Fab Flournoy has spoken of the importance of retaining the services of his skipper who will turn 30 this year.
“Bridgey is one of the main pillars in our team, he provides the leadership and professionalism on and off the court that the Eagles are so well known for.”
“He epitomises everything that we do as a club and it is essential that he continues with us because he will continue to be one of the cornerstones of our team as we continue to challenge for trophies.”
“It’s hard to know what there is left to say now that Bridgey is back for an eighth season. The time has went so quickly but the fact that he has done so much and been such an integral part of the team is testament to his hard work.”
“I am so happy to have a player like Bridgey in the team. I think any coach would be.”
The Chesterfield born guard averaged 12.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while also averaging almost 40% shooting across the season from behind the arc, something the player has really improved in recent seasons.
Managing Director Paul Blake added to Flournoys endorsement by also underlining the importance of the Eagles ace to the club.
“I think Andrew very much shows the approach that we have had for almost the last decade has been successful in terms of having a healthy core of British players who we have kept.”
“It seems like such a long time since he came from the Sharks when he was in his early twenties and he has turned into almost a veteran player for us. He has been critical to the success that we have had both on and off the court.”
“Bridgey is an integral part of the club and one of the players in the BBL that is well respected by coaches and that says a lot.”
“With him and Lynard (Stewart) our first two signings of the summer in addition to Fab, it is a great start to our recruitment for next season.”
