Tommy Wright: A Tribute to an Everton and England Football Great
The football world mourns the loss of Tommy Wright, the esteemed Everton defender who passed away at the age of 81. Wright was a pivotal figure in Everton's golden era, contributing significantly to their triumphs in the 1966 FA Cup and the 1970 English league championship. His career, though cut short by injury, left an indelible mark on the sport, both domestically and on the international stage with England.
Club Career and Everton Legacy
Born in the Norris Green area of Liverpool, Tommy Wright was a lifelong Everton fan, attending his first match at Goodison Park as a young boy. He joined Everton as a 15-year-old apprentice, initially playing as an inside-right before settling into the right-back position. Under manager Harry Catterick, he made his first-team debut in 1964 and quickly became a regular, known for his composure, athleticism, and attacking instincts from defence.
Wright's consistency was remarkable; he played every game in Everton's 1969-70 First Division title-winning season, a campaign where they topped the table ahead of Leeds United. He also featured in two FA Cup finals, winning in 1966 against Sheffield Wednesday and losing in 1968 to West Bromwich Albion. Over his career, he amassed 373 appearances at full-back, a club record for that position until it was broken by Leighton Baines in 2017.
International Achievements with England
On the international front, Tommy Wright earned 11 caps for England during a highly competitive period. He made his debut in the 1968 European Championship finals, playing in the bronze medal match against the USSR. His most notable contributions came at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where he played in two matches. In the opener against Romania, he became the first England player to come on as a substitute in a major tournament. He then started against Brazil, delivering a commendable performance against legendary players like Pelé, Jairzinho, and Rivellino, despite England's 1-0 loss.
Unfortunately, a knee injury sustained around this time led to his early retirement from international football and later from the game altogether, limiting his peak years to just seven seasons at the top level.
Later Life and Personal Legacy
After retiring from professional football at the age of 29 due to persistent knee problems, Tommy Wright worked in various roles, including as a security guard and at Garston Docks in Liverpool. Described as a quiet and humble man, he maintained strong ties with Everton, often seen as a regular spectator at matches, where fans regarded him as one of the club's finest players.
In his personal life, he married his second wife, Edna, in 1980, and the couple enjoyed holidays in Çalış, Turkey. He is survived by Edna, two of his four children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. His legacy endures not only through his football achievements but also through the respect and admiration he garnered from teammates, opponents, and supporters alike.
