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Michael Bridges (born August 5, 1978 in North Shields) is a football centre-forward whose career has been severely blighted by injuries. He currently plays for Hull City.

He emerged as one of the F.A. Premiership's most promising young strikers during the 1996-97 season at Sunderland, but was unable to save them from relegation. Two years later he helped them return to the Premiership and joined Leeds United for £5million soon afterwards.

In his first season at Elland Road, Bridges scored 19 Premiership goals and helped his side finish third in the Premiership, qualify for the Champions' League and reach the semi finals of the UEFA Cup.

But he was plagued by a series of injuries over the next four seasons, and was sent to Newcastle United on loan in January 2004. After only making a single start for Newcastle, on the right wing not in his favoured striking role, Bridges was out of contract in the summer of 2004 with his contract not being renewed due to his injury problems. He was quickly snapped up by Bolton Wanderers but only figured in one League Cup game. Released by Bolton he spent the rest of the season back at the Stadium of Light before joining Bristol City.

His spell at Ashton Gate ended in November 2005, and he joined Carlisle United, becoming perhaps their most influential player in their successful promotion charge into League One. Michael's goals made him very popular in Carlisle, and the fans were sad when he decided to leave Brunton Park on Transfer deadline day, 31 August 2006. It was reported that Hull City AFC had a £250,000 bid for Bridges turned down, and that because of this, Bridges handed in a transfer request. Hull returned with an improved bid of £350,000, and this was accepted.

• Football League Division 1/Championship (Level 2): 1996, 1999, 2005
• Football League 2 (Level 4): 2006

• Michael Bridges' career stats at Soccerbase
• Official Hull City profile