Mark Johnson

Project |09 Bailey Wright interview

 

North End star Bailey Wright talks exclusively to INVINCIBLES about his love for Preston North End and his aspirations in the future.

 

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Bailey Wright dreamed that one day he would play football in England. At 17 years of age, he would realise that dream whilst playing for the Victorian Institute, where club scouts ofPreston North End would spot the talented defender, inviting him to a trial with the club. Wright would impress in his brief spell in England, and North End offered the defender a two-year scholarship with the club.

 

"Signing for Preston was a dream for me. When I came over I also had a trial with Blackburn. I trained with Rovers but got injured. I met with Preston and they offered me a scholarship. They were really keen on me so I was delighted to sign.

 

"I've been lucky enough to have two good coaches in Jamie Hoyland and Dean Ramsdale who signed me for the club. I've learnt a lot from them.

 

"I'm very grateful for my chance at Preston, and I'm really happy things have worked out," Said Wright.

 

Things have certainly worked out for North End’s number six who today is one of the first names on the team sheet. The 21-year-old has featured 34 times this season, earning rave reviews in the process for his aggressive displays. Solid defensive performances have been key to Preston's success on the field and Wright believes the club has what it takes to bounce back to the Championship.

 

"It's been my best season, the lads have been brilliant, and I’m playing regular games and obviously winning helps. We just want to keep going and hopefully come May Preston North End will be back where it belongs; in the Championship."

 

It could have been so different for the Aussie who just last year was told by Graham Westley he was surplus to requirements, he was transfer-listed in a squad overhaul.

 

"I was gutted, obviously I wanted to stay at the club and being put on the transfer list I was a little bit upset, that’s football sometimes, people have opinions,” he added.

 

A change of heart from manager Westley saw the defender return to the club he couldn’t ever envisage leaving.

 

"I was very happy I ended up staying, that summer wasn’t very nice, not knowing what was happening. But it's worked out for the better for me and the club... I hope. I love being here and long may that continue,” said Wright.

 

Wright would prove his doubters wrong, producing some outstanding displays in a struggling Preston side. His ability did not go unnoticed, receiving the young player of the year award for the season 2012/13.

 

A marriage made in heaven it seems, the love affair between Preston North End and Bailey Wright has flourished no end, and the youngster is hoping his good form will attract the attention of the Australian national side.

 

"It's a future goal for me; I thought I might have had a chance recently when they announced a friendly against Ecuador in London, but it wasn’t to be. I will just keep playing well for Preston and see where that takes me.

 

"You’ve just got to really believe in yourself. I'd love to play for my country, I've played at youth level under-16s and 17s, it's something growing up I’ve dreamt about and hopefully it will sort itself out one day,” Wright added.

 

For the near future Wright remains fully focused on the job in hand; achieving promotion to the Championship.

 

"There is still a lot of football to go, we want automatic promotion. We don’t want to settle for just a play-off position. We need to make sure we keep winning our games. We are definitely confident we can achieve that goal come the end of the season."