Footballer and television personality Ian Wright was born on November 3 1963 in Woolwich, London.  He started out as a labourer and plasterer whilst playing for amateur football clubs before being spotted by a scout for Crystal Palace. 

Wrighty played for Palace for six years, becoming probably their most legendary player.  In 1991 he moved to Arsenal for, at the time, a record fee of £2.5million.  It was here that he really made his name, becoming the club’s top scorer for six seasons.  His time with Arsenal was not always smooth, in particular Wright clashed with manager Bruce Rioch, but he nonetheless played for the club until 1998 when he moved to West Ham United.

By this time though Wright was showing his age and went on to move down the ranks with short spells with Nottingham Forest, Celtic and Burnley.  He retired in 2000 having also made it in to the national side on several ocassions.

Since 2000 the one time footballing wonder has made a living as a pundit on Match of the Day and all round media personality with his own shows Friday Night’s All Wright and Wright Around the World as well as appearing on They Think It’s All Over.

Two of Wright’s five children, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Bradley Wright-Phillips are professional footballers while a third, Brett Wright is an up and coming player for Reading FC.
March 2008