Bradford City signing’s debt of gratitude to Doncaster Rovers legend.
If you want to be a successful Bradford City player, you must have a strong mentality. Joe Wright’s commanding and tenacious qualities as a centre-back were the primary reasons why the Bantams offered him a return to Yorkshire earlier in the offseason.
The fact that he is clearly made of the right stuff as an individual strengthens City’s decision to sign the former Doncaster Rovers defender, who began his career at Huddersfield Town.
Monk Fryston-born Wright endured some vicissitudes earlier in his football journey and at Rovers.
Both made a lasting impression on him, espousing the virtues of maintaining a positive attitude and drawing strength from adversity. Wright, 30, told The Yorkshire Post that psychology probably plays a much larger role than most people outside of football believe.
“You can have all the talent in the world, but if your head is not in the right space or you are not working hard enough, then that talent can go to waste, which has happened throughout the years (for many players).” It has grown significantly over the last ten to fifteen years.
“I was really fortunate with Copps as he was someone who had a big impact upon my career and probably the way I think – just by being around him, day to day.” I also spoke with Terry when I was younger, and I tried to stick with his methods, techniques, and beliefs.
“When I got a bad injury (at Rovers), so many people were messaging me saying: ‘I am so sorry this has happened to you’.” But one person called me and said, ‘You just have to get on with it,’ and that was Copps. He was attempting to make something positive out of it.
“It was a really strange thing to hear at the time, but it probably really did help me through the process of that injury.”
He has a strong mindset and is a great person to be around. He is a top man.” Wright also benefited greatly from his change of scenery and move north of the border to Scottish Premier League club Kilmarnock. His stay in Scotland was rewarding.
He appeared in 112 games over three seasons at Rugby Park, and his final season in Ayrshire earned him Killie’s player of the season award in 2024-25.
Wright shared his thoughts on the SPL, saying, “I really enjoyed it. It’s a good mix of English leagues.” There are 12 teams in that league, and they are all at different levels.
You play against Celtic and Rangers, as well as ‘big’ teams like Aberdeen, Hearts, and Hibs.” The league is highly recommended for young players to gain experience in big games. Last season, the team achieved a European place, which was a rewarding experience.
His own experience in Europe in 24-25 is something he will always cherish and never forget.
After being eliminated from the Europa League, Killie advanced to the Conference League, where they defeated Norwegian side Tromso in the third qualifying round. After a 2-2 draw in Scotland, the team won 1-0 in Tromso against the world’s northernmost professional football team.
Wright scored the game-winning goal at the Romssa Arena, 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, as Killie won their first European tie in 23 years, advancing to the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.