Michael Bridges: The beauty of Bielsa's Leeds

The Big Interview with Graham Hunter

Michael Bridges had a special instinct for goals and had a prolific first season at Leeds, which included a tremendous run in the UEFA Cup, but after sustaining a terrible injury in a match against Besiktas he was told by his surgeon he would never play again. But physio Dave Hancock believed in him and persuaded him not to quit. Just as well, because Michael’s career was far from over. He speaks movingly about the tragic events in Istanbul in 2000 when two Leeds supporters were murdered. It is Michael’s biggest regret that the players didn’t refuse to play the game against Galatasaray.

But there’s lighter stuff in part two, too. For example, did you know he could have played for Scotland? And did you know that he is probably the greatest-ever prankster British football has produced? Listen out also for Michael’s enthusiasm for Leeds’ return to the top flight, and his passion for the style of play current manager Marcelo Bielsa has adopted.

Enjoy,

Graham

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