Tommy Wright (footballer, born 1984)

For other people named Tommy Wright, see Tommy Wright (disambiguation).
Tommy Wright

Wright in 2012
Personal information
Full name Thomas Andrew Wright
Date of birth (1984-09-28) 28 September 1984[1]
Place of birth Kirby Muxloe, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current team
 Corby Town
(player-manager)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2001–2006 Leicester City 21 (2)
2003–2004 → Brentford (loan) 25 (7)
2005 → Blackpool (loan) 13 (8)
2006–2007 Barnsley 34 (2)
2006–2007 → Walsall (loan) 6 (2)
2007–2008 Darlington 54 (17)
2008–2010 Aberdeen 18 (1)
2010 Grimsby Town 14 (1)
2010–2011 Darlington 22 (4)
2011 Kidderminster Harriers 2 (0)
2011–2012 Luton Town 4 (1)
2012 Forest Green Rovers 7 (2)
2012–2013 Tamworth 41 (8)
2013 Harrogate Town 6 (0)
2013– Corby Town 0 (0)
National team
2003 England U19 7 (0)
2003 England U20 3 (0)
Teams managed
2013– Corby Town (player-manager)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22:00, 16 May 2013 (UTC).

† Appearances (goals)

Thomas Andrew "Tommy" Wright (born 28 September 1984) is an English semi-professional footballer who plays as a striker for Corby Town, and is also the club's manager.

A former England U19 and U20 international, he started his career with Leicester City, helping them into the Premier League in 2002–03. However he failed to hold down a regular first team place, and was loaned out to Brentford and Blackpool, before transferring to Barnsley in 2006. He helped the "Tykes" to promotion out of League One via the play-offs, before he joined Darlington in January 2007 following a short loan spell at League Two champions Walsall. He was sold on to SPL side Aberdeen in August 2008 for a £100,000 fee. He returned to England in January 2010, signing with Grimsby Town, who were soon relegated out of the Football League. He re-joined Darlington, helping the club to lift the FA Trophy in 2011. He then spent a brief time with Kidderminster Harriers and then Luton Town.

Club career

Leicester City

Wright was born in Kirby Muxloe, Leicester.[1] He started his career at home town club Leicester City, making his Premier League debut under Dave Bassett on 23 March 2002, in a 2–0 home defeat to Leeds United, after he replaced Stefan Oakes on 86 minutes.[2] The "Foxes" were relegated at the end of the season, and new manager Micky Adams played Wright 13 times in the 2002–03 First Division promotion campaign. He scored his first senior goal on 18 January, in a 3–2 win over Gillingham at Priestfield Stadium; his second goal was the only one of the game against rivals Nottingham Forest at the Walkers Stadium on 8 April. He was offered a new contract at the end of the campaign.[3]

Despite journalist Phil McNulty naming the youngster as 'one to watch' at the start of 2003–04 (13 of the 20 he named went on to become full internationals),[4] Wright did not feature for Leicester throughout the campaign. He instead joined Wally Downes' Brentford on loan in September 2003,[5] and scored three goals in 25 Second Division games for the "Bees" in 2003–04, with his contribution to the team ended by an ankle injury picked up in April.[6] Leicester were relegated at the end of the season, and Wright played seven Championship and two cup games in the 2004–05 campaign. He joined League One Blackpool on loan at the start of the 2005–06 season, and hit six goals in fifteen games under Colin Hendry and then Simon Grayson.

Barnsley

Wright was signed by Barnsley on 1 January 2006 for a £50,000 fee.[7] Manager Andy Ritchie led the "Tykes" to promotion out of League One via the play-offs in 2005–06, with Wright scoring one goal in 22 appearances. He appeared in the play-off Final victory over Swansea City at the Millennium Stadium after coming on for Marc Richards after 70 minutes.[8] Barnsley's promotion to the Championship saw Wright figure more from the bench for the Yorkshire side during the 2006–07 season, and in November he was sent out on a two-month loan to League Two side Walsall.[9] Scoring on his debut at the Bescot Stadium,[10] he netted twice in five starts for the "Saddlers", who went on to top the division under manager Richard Money.

Darlington

Having failed to agree personal terms with Rotherham United,[11] Wright signed with Dave Penney's Darlington, also of League Two.[12] He finished the campaign with four goals in 13 appearances for the "Quakers". He fired Darlington into the play-offs in 2007–08, where they were knocked out by Rochdale at the semi-final stage; Wright finished as the club's top scorer with thirteen goals. He was nominated for the League Two player of the month award for January after scoring three goals in the space of six games, but lost out to Grimsby Town's Danny North.[13]

Aberdeen

On 8 August 2008, Wright was transferred to Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen, manager Jimmy Calderwood paying a fee of £100,000;[14] the deal had been delayed after Wright suffered a knee injury.[15] Wright caused a stir in his first appearance in an Aberdeen shirt, receiving a yellow card for a reckless challenge, and allegedly attempting to headbutt Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan.[16] He scored his first senior goal for the "Dons" with an effort from the edge of the area in a Scottish Cup Fifth Round tie against East Fife at Pittodrie on 17 February.[17] Shortly after, on 3 March, he netted his first SPL goal, a "wonderful" header from the edge of the area for a last minute equaliser in a 1–1 draw with St Mirren.[18] He finished the 2008–09 campaign with two goals in nineteen games, and Aberdeen finished fourth to secure a place in the UEFA Europa League.

His injury problems continued into the 2009–10 season.[19] By January it became clear that new manager Mark McGhee had little faith in Wright, and he told the striker that he was available for a transfer.[20][21] Wright attracted interest from League One side Stockport County,[22] but they failed to follow up their initial interest. On 27 January, Wright was released from his contract with Aberdeen,[23] a whole eighteen months before it was due to expire.[24]

Grimsby Town

On 28 January 2010, Wright signed for Grimsby Town, penning an eighteen-month contract with Neil Woods' League Two side.[25] Wright struggled to hold a place in the team and finished the season with just one goal in fourteen games. The "Mariners" were relegated from the Football League at the end of the season, and despite initially making public his desire to stay at the club,[26]

Return to Darlington

on 31 May it was confirmed that Wright had exercised a clause in his Grimsby contract allowing him to leave the club with immediate effect; he re-joined former club Darlington on a two-year deal the following day,[27] the "Quakers" had fallen into the Conference Premier in his absence, and were now led by manager Simon Davey.[28] Davey left the club, and within a few weeks Wright went public with his praise of new boss Mark Cooper.[29] Wright scored five goals in 29 games in 2010–11, and appeared at the FA Trophy final against Mansfield Town at Wembley; though Wright failed to convert a few opportunities, a last minute goal from Chris Senior won the game for the "Quakers" in extra time.[30]

Kidderminster Harriers

In September 2011, Wright was released from his Darlington contract,[31] and he quickly signed for Conference rivals Kidderminster Harriers on non-contract terms after impressing manager Steve Burr, with the view to earning himself a contract until the end of the season.[32] However he departed the Harriers after making only two appearances for the club.

Luton Town

On 18 October Wright signed with fellow Conference side Luton Town on a three-month deal.[33] He was released by Luton at the expiry of his contract, having scored three goals in six appearances,[34] including one against former club Grimsby.[35] He began training with League Two side Port Vale – managed by his former boss at Leicester, Micky Adams – in January 2012.[36]

Forest Green Rovers and Tamworth

On 27 January 2012, Wright signed for Forest Green Rovers.[37] Wright made a goal scoring debut on 18 February 2012 when he scored in a 2–1 win against Gateshead.[38] At the end of the season, having made 7 appearances and scoring 2 goals, Wright was released by Forest Green. On 5 July 2012, Wright was confirmed as a Tamworth player, along with Adam Cunnington and Marcus Kelly.[39]

Harrogate Town

In June 2013, Wright signed for Conference North side Harrogate Town, becoming the club's fourth summer signing.[40]

Corby Town

On 9 September 2013 Wright was appointed Player/Joint-Manager of Southern Premier League side Corby Town, taking up the position alongside former Histon coach Andrew Wilson. At the end of the 2014–15 season Wright was appointed as the sole manager by the club's new owners.[41]

On the final day of the 2014-15 season Tommy Wright led Corby Town to the Souther Premier League title with a win over the league leaders Poole Town, who had previously led the title race by 18 points.

International career

Wright played for the England under-19s at the 2003 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship in Liechtenstein. He played alongside Stewart Downing in defeats to Austria and the Czech Republic and a 2–0 win over France;[42][43][44] the English finished third in the group and were therefore eliminated.

He also represented England under-20s at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, starting in the defeat to Egypt,[45] and coming on as a substitute in the defeat to Japan and draw with eventual third-place finishers Colombia;[46][47] they finished bottom of their group and were eliminated without scoring a goal.

Statistics

As of 24 January 2012.
Club performance League Cup League Cup Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
England League FA Cup League Cup Total
2001–02[48]Leicester CityPremier League10000010
2002–03[49]Leicester CityFirst Division1321000142
2003–04[50]Leicester CityPremier League00000000
2003–04[50]BrentfordSecond Division2530000253
2004–05[51]Leicester CityChampionship70101090
2005–06[52]Leicester CityChampionship00000000
2005–06[52]BlackpoolLeague One1360000156
2005–06[52]BarnsleyLeague One2012000221
2006–07[53]BarnsleyChampionship1710020191
2006–07[53]WalsallLeague Two62000062
2006–07[53]DarlingtonLeague Two1340000134
2007–08[54]DarlingtonLeague Two411321114515
Scotland League Scottish Cup League Cup Total
2008–09[55]AberdeenSPL1513110192
2009–10[56]AberdeenSPL30000030
Total Scotland 1813110222
England League FA Cup League Cup Total
2009–10[56]Grimsby TownLeague Two1410000141
2010–11[57]DarlingtonConference Premier2243100295
2011–12[58]DarlingtonConference Premier00000000
2011–12[58]Kidderminster HarriersConference Premier20000020
2011–12[58][59][60]Luton TownConference Premier41110063
Total England 198381035122043
Career total 216391336124244
Notes

Honours

with Leicester City
with Barnsley
with Walsall
with Darlington

References

  1. 1 2 Hugman, Barry J, ed. (2007). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2007–08. Edinburgh: Mainstream. p. 445. ISBN 978-1-84596-246-3.
  2. ↑ "Leeds shoot down Leicester". BBC Sport. 23 March 2002. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  3. ↑ "Taggart offered new deal". BBC Sport. 7 May 2003. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  4. ↑ "Premiership ones to watch". BBC Sport. 12 August 2003. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  5. ↑ "Bees keen to keep Wright". BBC Sport. 10 October 2003. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "Bees set to lose Wright". BBC Sport. 15 April 2004. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  7. ↑ "Barnsley move to seal Wright deal". BBC Sport. 31 December 2005. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  8. ↑ "Swansea 2–2 Barnsley (aet)". BBC Sport. 27 May 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  9. ↑ "Walsall capture Barnsley's Wright". BBC Sport. 23 November 2006. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
  10. ↑ "Wright delighted with debut goal". BBC Sport. 28 November 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  11. ↑ "Rotherham fail in move for Wright". BBC Sport. 16 January 2007. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  12. ↑ "Quakers sign Ravenhill and Wright". BBC Sport. 16 January 2007. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  13. ↑ "Striker North lands January award". BBC Sport. 5 February 2008. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  14. ↑ Aberdeen Sign Tommy Wright AFC.co.uk, 8 August 2008
  15. ↑ "Wright completes Pittodrie move". BBC Sport. 8 August 2008. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  16. ↑ Motherwell 0 – 1 Aberdeen: Hot-headed Wright gives Aberdeen new impetus Scotsman, 18 August 2008
  17. ↑ "Aberdeen 5–0 East Fife". BBC Sport. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  18. ↑ Moffatt, Colin (3 March 2009). "St Mirren 1–1 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  19. ↑ Aberdeen v Motherwell AFC.co.uk, 24 January 2010
  20. ↑ Aberdeen set to axe striker, AFC happy to let Wright go Evening Express, 24 January 2010 Archived 26 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  21. ↑ "Dons will listen to Wright offers". BBC Sport. 12 January 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  22. ↑ Window now a pain for McGhee Press & Journal, 24 January 2010
  23. ↑ Tommy Wright departs AFC.co.uk, 27 January 2010
  24. ↑ "Aberdeen cancel Tommy Wright contract". BBC Sport. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  25. ↑ Woodds Gets The Right Man, Grimsby Town F.C., 29 January 2010
  26. ↑ Tommy Wright: I'll fire Town back up to the Football League, Sport Grimsby, Grimsby Telegraph, 26 May 2010
  27. ↑ Walker, Martin. Striker Returns to Quakers, Darlington F.C., 31 May 2010
  28. ↑ "Grimsby striker Tommy Wright seals Darlington return". BBC Sport. 1 June 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  29. ↑ "Darlington striker Tommy Wright hails boss Mark Cooper". BBC Sport. 19 July 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  30. ↑ "FA Trophy final: Darlington 1–0 Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  31. ↑ "No Place for Tommy Wright, says Darlington boss Cooper". BBC Sport. 2 September 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
  32. ↑ "Kidderminster Harriers sign striker Tommy Wright". BBC Sport. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  33. ↑ "Luton Town bring in journeyman striker Tommy Wright". BBC Sport. 18 October 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
  34. ↑ "Team News For Southport Trip". Luton Town F.C. 20 January 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-01-23. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
  35. ↑ "Grimsby Town 0–1 Luton Town". BBC Sport. 21 October 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  36. ↑ "Port Vale: Vale can keep up with play-off race, says Grew". The Sentinel. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  37. ↑ "Forest Green Rovers add Michael Pook and Tommy Wright". BBC Sport. 27 January 2012.
  38. ↑ "Forest Green 2–1 Gateshead". BBC Sport. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  39. ↑ "Lambs boss Marcus Law believes Tom Marshall and Tony Breeden will ensure season to remember". ThisIsTamworth.co.uk. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
  40. ↑ "Harrogate make fourth summer signing". Football Conference. 10 June 2013.
  41. ↑ BBC Sport - Corby Town: Ex-Leicester City man Tommy Wright becomes boss
  42. ↑ "England 1 – 2 Austria". UEFA. Retrieved 24 January 2012. horizontal tab character in |title= at position 8 (help)
  43. ↑ "France 0 – 2 England". UEFA. Retrieved 24 January 2012. horizontal tab character in |title= at position 7 (help)
  44. ↑ "Czech Republic 3 – 0 England". UEFA. Retrieved 24 January 2012. horizontal tab character in |title= at position 15 (help)
  45. ↑ "England – Egypt". FIFA. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  46. ↑ "Japan – England". FIFA. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  47. ↑ "Colombia – England". FIFA. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  48. ↑ "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  49. ↑ "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  50. 1 2 "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  51. ↑ "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  52. 1 2 3 "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  53. 1 2 3 "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  54. ↑ "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  55. ↑ "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  56. 1 2 "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  57. ↑ "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011. [Note:cup appearances incomplete in source]
  58. 1 2 3 "Games played by Tommy Wright in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  59. ↑ "O'Connor doubles up in five-star cup win". Bedfordshire on Sunday (LSN Media Ltd). 29 October 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
  60. ↑ "Luton 2–0 Swindon Supermarine". Luton Town F.C. 10 December 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-01-10. Retrieved 24 January 2012.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tommy Wright (footballer born 1984).
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, February 27, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.