The lad from Ironbridge was once told by manager Frank Buckley that he was too small ever to make a footballer and he should return home.
The legendary boss was persuaded to think again and the rest is history.
First a driving, industrious wing-half, Wright later switched to central defender where his intuitive reading of a game made up for any loss in pace. Wright made what was then a record number of appearances for Wolves and ensured a permanent place in football history by being first to play in a century of full internationals. In 13 seasons after World War Two, he missed only three England games, first through injury then loss of form. He came roaring back, however, and was voted Footballer of the Year in 1952. He made 70 successive appearances for his country and captained them 90 times, a record later equalled by Bobby Moore. He led Wolves to victory in the 1949 FA Cup final and to three First Division championship titles before retiring in 1959 when he was made a CBE and life member of the FA.
Date of birth: February 6, 1924, Ironbridge. Died September 3, 1994.
Years with Club: 1938 to 1959.
Club signed from: Joined as trainee.
Appearances: 541.
Goals: 16.
International caps: 105 (3 goals).
