EXCLUSIVE: Michael Bridges will definitely not be returning for a second stint with Sydney FC as the club turns attention to securing recruits without boots.
Rumours have persisted that the Hull City forward was being targeted for a return to the harbour city and a recent interview with colleague Richard Garcia revealed the 29-year-old had not stopped raving about Sydney since returning to England.
However, club spokesman David Mason told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “No, that will not be happening. We have our marquee player now and there is the salary cap in place.”
He also confirmed coach John Kosmina’s belief that a line has now been drawn under Juninho’s time as a Sydney FC player.
No Bridges or Juninho but Sydney moved quickly to strengthen its playing staff with John Aloisi, Simon Colosimo, Mark Bridge and Stuart Musialik all snapped up within days of season three’s completion.
There may be one or two other fresh faces to follow but for now all the focus is on the new unofficial motto for season four, namely to turn a team into a club.
Sydney is looking to build on its 7,000 members and an average home gate of around 16,500 next season.
The club has kicked off its drive for 2008/9 and that means getting out and about to spread the FC message, engage with the community, retain existing members and supporters and attract new SFS recruits.
Mason said: “We’ve spent three years building a team and now we look to turn a team into a club. We know we can do more with and in the community and that’s what we’re determined to do.
“Our crowds last season were as high as they’ve ever been. Of course we were very happy with that but feel we can do even better.
“Extra resources have been put into our community program this year. Sydney is a massive place but we’re determined to get out and cover as much ground as we can.”
The players were today beginning their stint to spread the message with visits to junior clubs across the city.
New CEO Stefan Kamasz said: “Sydney FC is a team for the people of Sydney and the junior players are the fans of today and the stars of tomorrow. This is the start of a targeted approach to further engaging the people of Sydney.
“We are working hard with Football NSW to make sure we can reach out to the junior players, some of whom are already Sydney FC fans and others who have yet to be reached.”
The Sydney FC players will be making a public appearance at Pitt Street Mall on Friday (April 18) between noon and 2pm. Supporters wanting membership information should check the club’s official website.
However, club spokesman David Mason told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “No, that will not be happening. We have our marquee player now and there is the salary cap in place.”
He also confirmed coach John Kosmina’s belief that a line has now been drawn under Juninho’s time as a Sydney FC player.
No Bridges or Juninho but Sydney moved quickly to strengthen its playing staff with John Aloisi, Simon Colosimo, Mark Bridge and Stuart Musialik all snapped up within days of season three’s completion.
There may be one or two other fresh faces to follow but for now all the focus is on the new unofficial motto for season four, namely to turn a team into a club.
Sydney is looking to build on its 7,000 members and an average home gate of around 16,500 next season.
The club has kicked off its drive for 2008/9 and that means getting out and about to spread the FC message, engage with the community, retain existing members and supporters and attract new SFS recruits.
Mason said: “We’ve spent three years building a team and now we look to turn a team into a club. We know we can do more with and in the community and that’s what we’re determined to do.
“Our crowds last season were as high as they’ve ever been. Of course we were very happy with that but feel we can do even better.
“Extra resources have been put into our community program this year. Sydney is a massive place but we’re determined to get out and cover as much ground as we can.”
The players were today beginning their stint to spread the message with visits to junior clubs across the city.
New CEO Stefan Kamasz said: “Sydney FC is a team for the people of Sydney and the junior players are the fans of today and the stars of tomorrow. This is the start of a targeted approach to further engaging the people of Sydney.
“We are working hard with Football NSW to make sure we can reach out to the junior players, some of whom are already Sydney FC fans and others who have yet to be reached.”
The Sydney FC players will be making a public appearance at Pitt Street Mall on Friday (April 18) between noon and 2pm. Supporters wanting membership information should check the club’s official website.
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