Former Carlisle United star Michael Bridges is the latest big name to confirm he’ll be appearing at a major reunion game at Brunton Park this month.
The brilliant ex-frontman is flying over from Australia to join his former team-mates at United’s ground.
He will get his boots back on and play in the game which celebrates two title-winning eras at Carlisle – 1994/5 and 2005/6.
Former top-flight star Bridges was one of the stars of the latter campaign under Paul Simpson.
He will join a host of former United favourites at the game on Sunday, April 24, which is raising money for a former players’ fund.
Ex-midfielder Chris Lumsdon, who is organising the 2005/6 squad, said: “With Bridgey being in Australia it was going to be touch and go.
“But he has now made sure he can make it. He’s managed to make it happen and he’ll be on a plane back for the game.
“I’m told he’s currently on a bit of a detox, a diet and on the treadmill…”
Bridges is currently head coach of Australian club Edgeworth Eagles and is a respected media pundit Down Under.
The 43-year-old’s reappearance on the Brunton Park turf will revive memories of his iconic spell in 2005/6 when his 15 goals played a major part in United’s title win under Simmo.
Other stars from Carlisle’s last promotion-winning team will join him at the April 24 reunion game.
Players attending include Lumsdon, Kevin Gray, Chris Billy, Derek Holmes, Peter Murphy, Karl Hawley and Simon Hackney.
They will be joined by others from a similar Blues era including Matty Glennon, Tom Cowan, Danny Graham, David Raven, Luke Joyce, Jeff Smith and Lee Andrews, along with coaches Billy Barr and Geoff Haugh – and manager Simpson.
They will take on a team of 90s heroes including 1994/5 favourites Darren Edmondson, Tony Caig and Richard Prokas, with others including Derek Mountfield, David Currie and Dean Walling set to attend the event - and former boss Mick Wadsworth in charge of the team.
Paul Murray, who is pulling together the 90s squad and will also be playing, has confirmed that French cult hero defender Stephane Pounewatchy will be there.
Other 90s favourites due to attend include Scott Dobie, Lee Peacock, Paul Proudlock, Derek Walsh and Ian Arnold.
“We’ve had a great response from both sets of players and from supporters so far,” Lumsdon added.
“It’s shaping up to be a great day.”
Organisers are urging fans to buy tickets in advance. They are priced £6 for those aged 16 and over, and £4 for under-16.
The Sunset Suite and Sporting Inn - now renamed Murphy's Bar - will be open from 12pm and the game will kick off at 1pm.
Tickets can be bought from United's ticket office in person, by calling 0330 094 5930, or online HERE.
READ MORE: Pounewatchy among former stars returning to Carlisle United for special reunion game
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