Criticism of Wayne is a Bridge too far

The criticism that has been made of Wayne Bridge’s decision to turn his back on his country has been both appalling and ill-conceived. He has been put in a position that is, thankfully, very unfamiliar to most and it is not for anyone else to judge Bridge as a ‘wimp’ or a ‘traitor’.

The prospect of spending several weeks this summer in the claustrophobic environment of a World Cup with a former best friend and personal Judas would be an unpleasant one for anyone. Bridge has taken what one can only assume to be an extremely difficult decision and do what is best for his own state of mind. He also made a stand against the abhorrent behaviour of Terry. Unfortunately for England, however, Bridge certainly has a role to play in Fabio Capello’s squad.

The Italian has emphasised as much by leaving the door wide open for Bridge to return. He has axed Terry as skipper in a clear showing of his disdain for Terry’s actions. Quite right too.

I hope that Bridge will change his mind. Whilst he is not as good Ashley Cole, he is surely of superior quality to either Stephen Warnock or Leighton Baines, fine Premiership left-backs though both are. He displayed a sound strength of character against Terry this weekend, refusing the hypocrisy of a hand shake and then putting in a solid 78 minute shift out on the pitch.

That he was booed by certain members of the Chelsea crowd must surely have been bewildering to Bridge, too. He is an innocent party in the recent circus of events that have been covered in the media and must have left his former stomping ground with a personal sense of a job well done, safe in the knowledge that Terry’s turmoil is entirely of his own making.

Three months is a long time, we can only hope that Bridge decides to travel to South Africa after all. He has to do what is right for him and if he continues to conduct himself in the dignified manner that he thus far has, then I wish him all the best. He may not be as good a footballer as Terry, but he is clearly a better man.

Miles Reucroft

March 3, 2010