Former Sunderland and Leeds striker Michael Bridges joined Norwich City on trial in July 2009, making his non-competitive debut for the Canaries as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Raith Rovers on 14th July 2009.

Bridges began his career at Sunderland in 1995/96 and made 79 league appearances for the Black Cats, scoring 16 goals. He transferred to Leeds in 1999/2000 and scored 19 Premiership goals in his first season. Bridges also helped his side finish third in the Premiership, qualify for the Champions League and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup. Bridges was seriously injured in the 0-0 draw with Besiktas and was plagued with injuries over the next 4 seasons of his Leeds United career, only making 10 appearances and not scoring any goals.

As a result of his injuries he was loaned out to Newcastle United in January 2004 in order to help alleviate their striker crisis. He made 6 appearances for Newcastle but failed to score.

Out of contract, he joined Bolton in 2004 and made just 1 appearance. He returned to Sunderland where he made 19 appearances, scoring once.

He joined Bristol City, for whom he made 11 appearances, before being loaned out to Carlisle United. In November 2005, that loan became permanent and his 15 goals helped win promotion to League One. He joined Hull City in August 2006 for £350,000 but scored just 2 goals in 22 injury-plagued appearances. He was loaned out to Sydney FC and to Carlisle, where he made 30 appearances and scored 7 goals.

After his trial with Norwich, Bridges was linked with Lincoln City but instead signed for MK Dons on 8th August 2009 on a non-contract basis. After two games for MK Dons, Bridges was released and joined Australian A-League side Newcastle Jets on trial. Bridges signed a contract to play for the Jets for the remainder of the 2009–10 season on 30th September 2009. He made his debut on 5th October 2009 in a 1-1 draw with Adelaide United. On 23rd October 2009, Bridges scored his first goal for the Jets, netting the opener in the team's 2–1 home win over their derby rivals, the Central Coast Mariners. It was the Jets' first victory after a six-game winless streak.

On 29th April 2011, Bridges announced his retirement from his playing career following a knee injury, taking on a new role with owners of the Newcastle Jets, Tinkler Sports Group. On 7 November 2011, Bridges returned from retirement signing a contract with the Jets until the end of the 2011–12 season. Bridges then played his first game back against Melbourne Victory which the Jets won 3–0. He signed a new contract in March 2013 and then became youth coach. He left the club on January 30 2015 resgining in what is thought to be a protest at the sacking of five players, including David Carney, and three coaches following a 7-0 defeat to Adelaide.

Bridges was capped by England at Under-18 and Under-21 level.