IT'S ALL WRIGHT, HE'S OVER AGE.

Ian Wright MBE has made a career for himself out of football, both as a player and in retirment. So when I heard that he was at a book signing at the Tollington Pub, Islington, I had to have a look. (on the www. that is not actually going there).
www.tollingtonarms-holloway.co.uk/ian-wright-at-the-tollington

He will be happy for this advert so why not go out, buy the book and read about his life? Ian, now 52, has been a well known international player (33 caps for England) and more recently a regular feature on TV, radio and on paper (writing for The Sun!).

I met him in 2009 when he asked Charterhouse footballers (posh kids) to play a match against the Young Offenders' team at Portland, an experiment to see if football could change lives (of the offenders I gather rather than my "privileged" kids). We played at the prison on the "Isle" one hot summer's afternoon and had a very enjoyable and challenging experience. You might find the programme lurking somewhere in Sky1, it was called "Football Behind Bars". The link came from Gary Lineker, a great friend of Wrights and George Lineker was in our team. (see left)

Ian Wright has had a roller coaster of a life; a difficult upbringing and indeed served a short period in Chelmsford prison after failing to pay a fine. Having started his career at Dulwich Hamlet FC.
Nobody will forget his super sub appearance at Wembley for Crystal Palace v Manchester United when he scored within minutes of coming on in the Cup Final. He then went to Arsenal, West Ham, Celtic, Burnley and Nottm Forest before becoming Director of Football at Ashford Town FC and then coached at MK Dons.

Since hanging up his boots he has been involved in many, MANY different roles, including Match of the Day, Top of the Pops, Top Gear, Friday Night's All Wright and for his services to football he was awarded the MBE.

His two sons Bradley and Shaun have both played professional football with some success.
Wright is an infectious character who has brought joy to many young lives.