April 11 - The Wright Stuff

IF you thought media-friendly England captains with 100 caps and a pop star WAG had only been around since last month’s England friendly, then think again. Today we’re looking at a man who pre-dated LA Galaxy’s finest by fifty years, as Billy Wright celebrated his 100th appearance in an England shirt today in 1959.

When Beckham notched up his 100 against France he was joining a select band of just 4 other Englishmen who have reached the landmark figure. The former Wolves legend Wright was the first, notching up his century against Scotland in a Home International match at Wembley.

Like on 89 other occasions Wright captained his country as they eased to a 1-0 win over the Auld Enemy. Were it not for an inspired performance by Scottish ‘keeper Bill Brown it would have been a romp, but instead the Three Lions had to make do with single goal from Bobby Charlton, who ironically was the next man to reach the milestone. At the end of the game Wright received a standing ovation and was carried of the pitch, as his England team-mates paid tribute to the legendary centre half.

Wright spent his entire club career at Wolves, making his debut as a 15-year old in a 1939 win over Notts County. Following the war, Wright became Wolves captain taking over from Stan Cullis. The 1950’s were happy days for Wright, as he lead Wolves to the First Division title three times, missing only 31 games during the whole decade.

His imperious performances at club level meant that England came-a-calling in 1946 when Wright made his debut against Belgium. He was made captain in 1948 and lead his country in the ‘50, ‘54 and ‘58 World Cups where England flattered to deceive. He ended up clocking up 105 appearances, leaving him presently as the fourth most-capped Englishman. Only Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton have represented the Three Lions more often, but they cannot boast of Wright’s disciplinary record - in 541 games for Wolves and 105 for England Wright was never booked or sent off.

Following his retirement in 1959 he had a four-year stint in the dug-out at Arsenal, where he ended up with the poorest record of any post-war Arsenal manager, but consoled himself with the fact that he signed the likes of Bob Wilson, Frank McLintock and Joe Baker during his time at Highbury.

Outside of football Wright hit the headlines when he married Joy Beverley of the Beverley Sisters in a showbiz marriage that was years ahead of it’s time. A spell in punditry followed, as did a stint on the Board of Directors at Wolves before his death on 3rd September 1994.

See England, and the world’s, first 100 cap man in one of the most talked about England games of the era below and come back tomorrow as we take you way back to look at a trophy you’ve probably never heard of.

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