wont start with key

I have a manual ford cougar2 that wont start with key but will if i bridge contacts on starter motor . i have checked the ignition black box which the key turns seems to be working fine but wont turn the car over , also i have bridged the contacts on starter motor with ignition on and car will turn over , i can also hear the relay in fuse box click so i guess that works ,i can also hear the relay inside the car click so i guess that works . if you have any idea on this i will be very grateful thank you . also the car is a manual .. thanks keith .