'I was named Leeds United captain one month after transfer - now I've landed a shock managerial role aged 37'
The former Leeds United, Sunderland and Brighton midfielder has taken steps into management.
Former Leeds United captain Liam Bridcutt has been named as part of the interim management team for Ashington AFC.
Bridcutt spent just two years at Elland Road, initially joining Leeds on loan from Sunderland in November 2015. The midfielder made an instant impact and was nominated for the club’s Player of the Year Award, eventually won by Charlie Taylor, despite being in West Yorkshire for less than one season.
Leeds did sign the two-cap Scotland international permanently the following summer and he was made captain by manager Steve Evans following the departure of previous skipper Sol Bamba. All in all, Bridcutt made 53 appearances across all competitions for the Whites before joining Nottingham Forest for £1million in 2017.
Now 37, Bridcutt has joined forces with former player Paul Dunn to take interim charge of Ashington, who play their football in the Northern Premier League East Division. The Colliers confirmed the news following the Monday announcement that previous boss Marc Ellison had left by mutual agreement.
“I first met Liam during my time at Gateshead and have always been impressed by the person he is,” Ashington’s head of football, Ian Skinner, said. “He is a fantastic individual, incredibly humble and hardworking, and someone who brings a wealth of footballing knowledge and experience.
“I have no doubt he will be a real asset to Paul and the players, both on and off the pitch. Paul and Liam will also look to utilise the experience and leadership already within the dressing room, particularly our senior leadership group, to help drive standards, maintain togetherness and ensure the players take collective responsibility as we move forward.
“Both Paul and Liam have agreed to come in and help the club, and I am grateful for their willingness to do so. The immediate priority is to bring some stability, reconnect everyone, build confidence within the group and ensure we move forward together.”
Leeds were one of 10 clubs Bridcutt played for during a 14-year playing career, having initially come through the Chelsea academy but never played a first-team game. The midfielder spent time on loan at Yeovil Town, Watford and Stockport County before a permanent move to Brighton and Hove Albion in 2010.
Bridcutt spent four years with the Seagulls in League One and the Championship before a Premier League move to Sunderland in 2013. After his spells with the Black Cats, Leeds and Forest, Bridcutt also featured for Bolton Wanderers, Lincoln City and Blackpool. He made 372 appearances across all competitions and clubs, scoring five goals.