After the debut from hell, former England full-back Wayne Bridge will be hoping for a smoother transition as his new club West Ham travel to Merseyside to face Everton. And on the first anniversary of one of the Premier League's tawdriest tales, he seems to be enjoying happier times in his private life.
In January last year the story broke that his former best friend and ex-teammate, John Terry, the then-England captain, had an affair with Bridge's partner, Veronica Perroncel, the mother of their son. The scandal saw Bridge announce his international retirement and refuse to shake Terry's hand before a league match at Stamford Bridge last February.
At the age of 30, Bridge is at a personal crossroads as he tries to resurrect an injury-prone career. Once considered England's second-best left-back, he struggled for game time at Manchester City after moving from Chelsea two years ago in a deal believed to be worth GBP10 million (HK$124 million).
During his first appearance on loan for West Ham last weekend, Bridge was given a torrid time by speedy winger Theo Walcott as visiting Arsenal won 3-0 to leave the Hammers at the foot of the table. At fault for all of the goals, Bridge has vowed to do better this weekend as he tries to run the rust out of his legs.
The loan spell at Upton Park seems to be timed perfectly for a new romance with London-based singer Frankie Sandford of girl group The Saturdays. This week, pictures of the couple stepping out on the town were splashed over the tabloids, helping Bridge to move further from last season's troubles.
'You'd have to have a heart of stone not to feel for Wayne Bridge who will forever be associated with a scandal not of his own making,' English soccer author Neil Humphreys said. 'He did nothing wrong, behaved with impeccable dignity, conducted himself with remarkable restraint and did not drag himself down to the level of others involved by refusing to speak about the issue.'