History Section - People (Ian Wright)

Ian Wright

Ian Wright is seen on the television screen these days hosting his quiz show 'Wright Around the World' but his claim to fame is more associated with his outstanding football career.

Born in Woolwich in 1963, and currently living in Croydon, Ian Wright began his working life as a builder/plasterer. At weekends he played amateur football and it was here that Crystal Palace scouts spotted him and he signed a 3 month contract at £100 per week. His new career got off to a good start when he scored against Oldham FC in his first game coming on as a substitute.

In 1991 in his debut match for Arsenal in the Coca-Cola Cup against Leicester City he scored and in his first league appearance against Southampton produced a hat-trick. In 30 appearances he ended the season having scored 24 goals for Arsenal and played four times for England. Marriage in 1992 and more football success in that year led on to more good things in 1993.

Moves to West Ham in 1998 and later Celtic followed but these did not prove so successful. However, another opportunity opened up when ITV asked him to host his own show and since taking up that offer he has not looked back.



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Printer Friendly Page Business Community Information History Learning and Skills Leisure Links Living Visiting Croydon Search About the Site			History Buildings Genealogy Heritage Origins People Photographs Places The War Years Topics Croydon Connections Ian Wright, MBE - 3rd November 1963 Ian Wright is seen on the television screen these days hosting his quiz show 'Wright Around the World' but his claim to fame is more associated with his outstanding football career. Born in Woolwich in 1963, and currently living in Croydon, Ian Wright began his working life as a builder/plasterer. At weekends he played amateur football and it was here that Crystal Palace scouts spotted him and he signed a 3 month contract at £100 per week. His new career got off to a good start when he scored against Oldham FC in his first game coming on as a substitute. In 1991 in his debut match for Arsenal in the Coca-Cola Cup against Leicester City he scored and in his first league appearance against Southampton produced a hat-trick. In 30 appearances he ended the season having scored 24 goals for Arsenal and played four times for England. Marriage in 1992 and more football success in that year led on to more good things in 1993. Moves to West Ham in 1998 and later Celtic followed but these did not prove so successful. However, another opportunity opened up when ITV asked him to host his own show and since taking up that offer he has not looked back. Back to Croydon Connections Home Page


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Croydon Connections

Ian Wright, MBE - 3rd November 1963