To see today's training session...

The former Newcastle Jet does not regret making the loan switch but admits it was a massive eye-opener and made him appreciate how well catered for the A-League players are in this country.  

Bridge paints a picture of scared players who are not allowed to voice an opinion on the training ground with tight restrictions surrounding their every move.  

Speaking after training today, Bridge told au.fourfourtwo.com: "It was very different. It was good while the Champions League was on because I was actually playing.

"But then the coach didn't think I could adapt to the Chinese League so when that started, I didn't play.  

"I trained twice a day which is good, because we're doing pre-season here. But it's a different world. It was very eye-opening to say the least.

"It was good experience and it gave me a little kick up the arse to pull my finger out here (at Sydney FC)."  

Bridge said that he certainly wouldn't complain about conditions in Sydney colleagues by comparison to his China experience.  

 "You go over there and see how they're treated. I hate to say it but they're treated like animals, they're treated so bad, the Chinese players.

"You come back here and you've got your protein shakes, everything's laid out for you, so it's just a matter of your self-motivation."  

Bridge had no problems with his teammates but as a laid back Aussie, he found it difficult to understand the relationship structure between players and those in charge.  

"They (players) are not allowed to think for themselves," he revealed. "If we have an opinion (at Sydney) and say 'can we do this, coach?', he'll take it on board. He might not do it but he won't get angry if we voice our opinion.\

"Whereas there if you voice your opinion, see ya later. They're scared, they're scared of authority figures. If the coach walks past they'll walk the other way with their head down, stuff like that.

"But they were nice people. no real idiots or egos there. It's opened my eyes and I've got a new lease of life."  

It seems to have been a bitter-sweet period for Bridge with plusses and minuses to reflect on. His advice to players thinking about such a move is to weigh it up carefully.  

"Think twice, " he said. "The contract I was on was massive money but everyday over there I'm thinking to myself the money's not worth it if you're not happy and enjoying your career.

"Don't just think about the money, think about where you're going. Think long and hard."

"But I'm glad I did it," he added. "I've come back a totally different player. I know what I have to do now if I want to take that next step to Europe or just lift my game here.

"After last season's performance I need to pull my finger out of my bum."

Bridge said that means 100 per cent in every session, more time working on weaknesses after training and always looking to improve.

He is very happy with life under Vitezslav Lavicka and hailed the new coach's sessions as a lot sharper and a lot more intense.  

He also said the smiles and the laughter spoke volumes about the players feelings.

"The changing rooms are no longer doom and gloom as they once were," he smiled. 

Bridge and his colleagues were due to head north later today to prepare for this weekend's pre-season clash against Newcastle Jets at Port Macquarie (kick off 2pm).

To see today's training session...