Born in Warrington in 1980, David Wright emerged through the youth ranks at Crewe Alexandra Football Club, and became one of the clubs most consistent and intelligent defenders despite his relative tender years.
Wright was one of the clubs outstanding performers in the youth ranks and captained the youth team as well as being capped by England at various youth levels.
His Crewe Alex debut arrived in August 1997, just three months after his 17th birthday, when he came off the bench in a 2-0 defeat at Norwich City. His full debut arrived later in the season in a defeat at Tranmere Rovers, whilst he also featured on the final day of the 1997/98 season at Ipswich Town.
Wright began to establish himself in the Alex side at right back during the 1998/99 and scored his first goal for the club in a stunning 5-1 win at West Bromwich Albion, a stunning shot and a rare goal.
He quickly became the first name on Dario Gradi's team-sheet and rarely missed a game as he enjoyed a fortunate time with injuries. He made a total of 240 appearances for the club scoring just three goals, and was named as Vice-Captain in 2002 as a reward for the superb service he showed the club.
Not only was he one of the best right backs in the first division, he was also a superb organiser of the Alex defence and began to attract the scouts to Gresty Road in their droves in the 2003/04.
The likes of Fulham, Leeds United, where he spent a brief spell on trial, Everton and Manchester City were rumoured to be linked with the player, and it was obvious in the summer of 2004 that he was set to become the next Crewe player to make a move.
Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell was preparing a squad for a genuine challenge for promotion and made his move for Wright in June 2004 when he secured Wright's services for a fee which could rise to £500,000. His ability to operate at left back and centre back also encouraged Jewell to bid after losing Canadian centre back Jason De Vos.
Wright started the season in fine style for the Latics, holding his place in the side in the first half of the season as Wigan soared to the top of the table.
Unfortunately he lost his place at right back to the experienced Nicky Eaden in the second half of the season, but still made 31 appearances for Jewell's side as they clinched the runners-up spot in the Championship and with it promotion to the top flight.
Despite Eaden's departure from the JJB Stadium in the summer, Wright slipped behind new signing Pascal Chimbonda in the reckoning at right back and moved to Norwich City on loan to get back his match sharpness. He later joined Norwich's East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town and promptly scored his first goal for them in the hotly contested derby!
David became a first-team regular for Ipswich, scoring five goals in 128 appearances for the club before he was released at the end of the 2009/10 season.
During his time with Ipswich, he was considered for the captaincy but never got the chance to lead the team out always being pipped to the post by a team-mate. The 2009/10 season wasn't as successful for our former defender. After falling out of favour, he eventually worked his way back into the side, and scored the winning goal in the game against Derby in October, to give Ipswich their first win of the season.
The 2010/11 season would see Wright move to Crystal Palace, and play in a more advanced right midfield role. Wright would play 28 times for Palace, helping them to a comfortable mid-table finish.
