Wayne Bridge BiographySouthampton
Bridge began his professional career with Southampton F.C., where he broke through onto the club's first team in the 1998-1999 Premiership season. Bridge quickly became a regular and a star for the club, and was named the Southampton Player of the Year for the 2000-2001 season. After five years and 173 appearances with the Saints, Bridge was sold to Chelsea during the 2003 offseason for a fee of £7 million plus Graeme Le Saux.
Chelsea
Bridge has continued his success with Chelsea, and was initially a regular starter. His finest moment came in the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal in 2003/2004. Bridge scored the winning goal in the 88th minute to send Chelsea into the semi-finals and end an 18 game winless run against Arsenal. The goal was later voted goal of the season. Bridge scored against Besiktas and Portsmouth in 2003/2004 also.
For the 2005/06 season Chelsea signed Spanish left-back Asier del Horno and Bridge faced a challenge to get back into the side when he recovered from the injury that kept him out of the team in the latter stages of the 2004/05 campaign.
Fulham
Limited first team opportunities saw him join Fulham on loan on 19 January 2006. He made his debut in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United at Upton Park. The move seemed to benefit him as he managed to secure his place in the 2006 World Cup squad for the tournament in Germany. During his short spell at Fulham he was nicknamed Putney by the Fulham fans, the nickname coming from Putney Bridge which is located near Craven Cottage.
Return to Chelsea
Bridge' main competition for the left back spot has now come from new signings Khalid Boulahrouz and Ashley Cole. Bridge played the full match in Chelsea's victory over Manchester City on the opening-day of the 2006-07 Premier League season, providing a telling cross for the third goal, scored by a header from Didier Drogba. However his strong early season form has not been enough to hold down the left-back position, with Mourinho preferring Ashley Cole in most games.
He featured in attack for an injury struck Chelsea side against league 2 Wycombe in the 2007 semi-final 1st leg Carling Cup match, scoring one goal in the process.
However, following Ashley Cole's injury against Blackburn Rovers in a 3-0 win the Premier League, Bridge has become Chelsea's natural choice for left-back. It is assumed Cole will be out for much of the remainder of the season, and therefore Bridge will continue to play in the position. He has recieved much praise from his manager and team-mates, and many football pundits believe he is performing better than Cole in the left-back position.
International career
Bridge also regularly features in the England squad; after appearing for his country at various youth levels, Bridge made his debut with the full squad in February 2002. He quickly proved himself, and appeared twice as a substitute in the 2002 World Cup, although he did not appear at all in Euro 2004, as England also have Ashley Cole, who is regarded by some people (mainly in England) as the best left back in the world.
During the qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, he was given the role of playing in England's problematic left midfield role, but he lost this to his Chelsea team mate Joe Cole when he was injured. He returned to the England team for a friendly against Argentina in November 2005, covering for the injured Cole at left back and winning his 21st cap, but as he is four months older than Cole, and does not play in midfield for his club, he is likely to find it very difficult ever to become a regular first choice player for England.
Family life
Bridge has since become a father with girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel, who gave birth to their son Jaydon, and celebrated by signing a new 4-year contract with Chelsea on November 22, 2006.
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