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  -   WHO'S WHO  
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
England's Richard Wright
England's Richard Wright
(RossKinnaird/Allsport)
Richard Wright
Club: Everton
Shirt Number: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: November 5, 1977
Birthplace: Ipswich
Height: 6' 2''
Weight: 13.7


Profile:

A formidable shot-stopper and excellent all-round keeper who made his debut for his home town club, Ipswich Town, in 1995. Wright is viewed by many as a future England regular.

He played a crucial role in Ipswich's play-off final success against Barnsley in May 2000, saving a penalty and pulling off a fine stop when Georgi Hristov threatened a late equaliser.

Following rumours he wanted to leave Ipswich for a bigger club and interest from Celtic he committed his future to the Tractor Boys in August 2000 with a two-year deal.

Wright was given a full England game in a pre-Euro 2000 friendly against Malta, when he again stopped a penalty... that he'd given away.

When Ipswich joined the Premiership, Wright had a better stage on which to show the world - and the England manager - his abilities. He did just that an was able to use a clause in his new contract to make the step up in the summer of 2001.

The clause stated that he must be told if Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United made a bid for him. It was Arsenal who made the bid and Wright eventually decided to take his chances at Highbury.

Wright joined the Gunners in full knowledge he would have to dislodge England number one David Seaman from the goalkeeper's jersey. Joined the Gunners for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £6million.

Made his debut in a 2-0 win at Derby County, but his Arsenal career would prove to be a disappointment. A series of errors led to much criticism from both pundits and fans alike, and a one stage he dropped behind Stuart Taylor in the pecking order at Highbury.

His loss of form cost him his place in the England squad for the 2002 World Cup - David James would go instead - and the rumour mill was speculating that Wright would have to move on.

It was Everton would made the move for the goalkeeper, signing him for a fee of £3.5million, with another £1million payable on appearances. Wright played 22 games for Arsenal in his one season at the club, winning a Championship medal.

On signing the player, Toffees boss David Moyes said: 'I think it is a great signing, and one we have been looking for. I believe Richard will become a future England goalkeeper, he has already been involved in the set-up and I think with him playing regularly for Everton that will push his claims.'




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