ANDREW BRIDGE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Andrew Bridge, one of the BBL’s brightest domestic performers over the past decade, has announced his retirement at the age of 33.

The former England international was a two-club man during a 13-year career in the top flight, starting with Sheffield Sharks, then moving to Newcastle Eagles, before returning to Yorkshire for his final professional campaign.

With Newcastle, the shooting guard won 17 titles, including all four BBL prizes, in a ten-year stint while he also rounded off his career with a Trophy victory last March.

He was also a member of England’s bronze medal team at the Commonwealth Games.

But he has now taken on a new role with the Youth Sports Trust with his on-court days at an end.

“It’s something I’ve known since the middle of last season but I wanted to play and train this summer like I was going to play and enjoy it one last time,” he said.

“I want to thank all the owners (apart from that idiot my first year in Sheffield), the four coaches I played for, the general managers and office staff many of whom became friends that treated me so well. I never had the problems other players bring up.

“My teammates (I know I gave out a lot of crap but it was centred on finding a way to win) and most importantly my family and friends who for 13 years had to put up with my bad moods, me not being around, me being selfish and constantly saying no to invites. Well, that’s all over.”