Former Sunderland striker Michael Bridges enjoying life in Australia with the Newcastle United Jets Kewell, Bridges's next-door neighbour during their four years together at Leeds United, is one of a number of Premier League veterans plying their trade in the A-League. Last year, Bridges convinced the Jets to sign Emile Heskey. When Emile's name came up I told the club he would be an excellent role model for the youngsters coming through. He's really enjoying it and he's signed a new contract. When you're older it's not as demanding on the body as there's not as many games. You're not playing 40 to 50 games a season. It helps the body if you've got longer to recover. The less-congested schedule has also enticed Alessandro Del Piero to Australia. The World Cup winner joined Sydney FC last year and is still flaunting his talent. "He's doing phenomenally," Bridges said. He scored another world-class goal the other day, and he's just turned 39. For Bridges, the more relaxed fixture list has enabled him to prolong a career which has been hampered by a number of lengthy spells on the sidelines. Regarded as one of England's hottest prospects when Leeds United paid Sunderland £5 million for his services in 1999, his subsequent career was blighted by a series of injuries. Two years ago, a knee problem almost forced him to quit playing altogether. I'd had a knee injury, and I came off the salary cap to help the club out. I'd made the decision to retire but I wanted to free up some money so the club could bring someone else in. The club gave me a coaching role but the players I was coaching said I could still do it, so I asked the manager if I could have another crack at it. It was great to be able to put the boots on again. Now, Bridges divides his time between his playing and coaching duties. He aims to return to England one day as a manager, and has set about earning his coaching badges by working with the Emerging Jets, Newcastle's youth programme. For the time being though, he's more than content staying put. I'd love to go back and manage a team I've played for in England, like Leeds or Carlisle. But while my children are young I'll always want to be over here. When they are older they can decide whether they want to come back. While they have the lifestyle here it's the best opportunity for them while they are growing up.