Mark Bridge will join a long list of top Australian footballers to play in the Illawarra Premier League after signing on the reigning premiers Corrimal.

The signing of two-time Socceroo further cements Football South Coast as one of the most recognisable associations in Australia.

Bridge will join another former Socceroo in Alvin Ceccoli at Memorial Park and will be added to the list of former Australian internationals to play in the region's top-flight which includes Scott Chipperfield, Mile Jedinak and Dean Heffernan.

The 34-year-old has had an illustrious career, most notably playing over 100 games for the Western Sydney Wanderers where he lifted the Asian Champions League as well as winning the club's player of the season on two occasions.

Corrimal coach Rob Jonovski was delighted to have Bridge, who played with NPL 2 outfit Mounties Wanderers last season, in his squad for the upcoming campaign.

 

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have a calibre of that sort of player join the club," Jonovski said.

“It was a position that we were looking at strengthening.

“It’s very exciting to get a player of what Mark Bridge has done.”

Jonovski explained the role Bridge would play for the Rangers who claimed the IPL title for the first time in nearly half a century last September.

He highlighted the importance of Bridge learning the style his side plays as opposed to the forward changing the way his team play.

“He’s going to learn the systems that we play," he said.

“It’s about him gelling with the way that we play.

“He will add a lot of quality to the squad not only on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.

“He’s buzzing and itching to play football.”

It won’t be the first time Bridge has played football in the Illawarra having featured for the Cringila as an 18-year-old.

Bridge is sure to bring a number of keen spectators through the gate this coming season with Corrimal's title defence beginning on Saturday, March 21 away to South Coast United.

Corrimal will start its Fraternity Club Cup run against Wollongong United at Ian McLennan Park on Monday night.

Story by Tim Gibson
Photo Credit: Daily Telegraph