Although Bridges played his best football for the Mackems as a youngster, he was a Geordie through and through and was big mates of Lee Clark in their early career.
The pair could often be seen down the Bigg Market on a Sunday evening.
He had all the ability to reach the highest level until horrendous injuries took their toll.
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Born in North Shields, he started his career with Sunderland. Highly thought of in Mackemland scoring 16 goals in 79 league appearances.
But was hit by injuries and they sold him to Leeds where he hardly played for four season before they loaned him to Newcastle.
Only made one start, in a UEFA Cup tie, and never made the grade. Returned to Leeds then Sunderland bought him back. Didn't make the grade there either.
It's only a shame that we never got to see all that talent reach its full potential in a Sunderland shirt.
But was hit by injuries and they sold him to Leeds where he hardly played for four season before they loaned him to Newcastle.
Only made one start, in a UEFA Cup tie, and never made the grade. Returned to Leeds then Sunderland bought him back. Didn't make the grade there either.
It's only a shame that we never got to see all that talent reach its full potential in a Sunderland shirt.
Bridges, 29, who scored 15 goals in 30 league appearances during a spell with Carlisle in 2005/06, left Hull on Monday to join Sydney FC on loan.
He had asserted that he had been set to move back to Brunton Park before John Ward's recent arrival as manager.
But Story told BBC Radio Cumbria the claims were "rubbish" and that no direct contact had been made with him.