Wright: Thomas Elliott (Tommy)

1982-1987 (Player Details)

Forward

Born: Dunfermline: 10-01-1966

Debut: Fulham (h): 16-04-1983

5’9” 11st 0lb (1984)

A product of St Columa’s School Dunfermline, he went to Elland Road in January 1982 after being recommended by United’s top scout in Scotland, John Barr. Scottish Youth International Wright made an enterprising start to his Leeds career with a flurry of goals, including one in a memorable debut game. He swiftly achieved cult status among Leeds United fans as a rampant striker in Eddie Gray’s young exciting team. Injury forced him out of action, and, after losing his place, he was sold to Oldham Athletic in October 1986 for £80,000. He found a new lease of life at Boundary Park, playing alongside several old teammates, including Denis Irwin, Andy Linighan, Terry Phelan and Andy Ritchie and won a Scotland Under-Twenty-one cap in 1987. He had scored twenty-three goals in one hundred and twelve League games, two of which were as a substitute and another four goals in thirteen starts and one game from the bench in Cup and other competitions before, in August 1989, the Latics sold Wright to Leicester City for £300,000. He gave the Foxes good service scoring twenty-two goals in one hundred and twenty-two starts and seven games from the bench in the League and seven goals in twenty-one starts and one game off the bench in Cup and other competitions. He was Leicester’s top scorer in his final season at Filbert Street, when he went to Middlesbrough in July 1994 for £650,000. He only scored five times in fifty three League games, nine of which were from the bench and his one goal in eleven starts and two substitute appearances in the Cup competions reflected that, unfortunately, he suffered injuries and loss of form which meant that he did not do himself justice. He accepted a move to Bradford City in July 1995, where ex-Leeds striker Carl Shutt was one of his playing partners up front. He scored five League goals in thirty starts and another fourteen more from the bench scored twice in twelve Cup games, three of which were as a substitute. He left City in May 1997 and joined Oldham Athletic on a monthly contract in August 1997. He didn’t stay long but scored twice in thirteen League appearances, two of which were as a substitute and he made one appearance in the FA Cup. He signed for St Johnstone in December 1997, where he started three and came off the bench twice in League games and played once in the cup without opening his goalscoring account, before joining Livingston in March 1998. He scored once in seven League games, one of which was as a substitute, before leaving in May 1998. He joined Doncaster Rovers in August 1998, scoring once each in the League and Cup from four League starts and another four games as a substitute and four Cup appearances before making his final move to Kings Lyn in June 2000. He obtained his coaching certificates and coached the Oldham Athletic Youths and became Assistant Manager to John Sheridan. He linked up with Sheridan at Boundary Park, where he was John's assistant during his close on three year tenure as manager after a spell there coaching the youth side. When Sheridan was interviewed for the vacant manager's position at Saltergate, he made it clear that he wanted Wright alongside him and when the appointment was duly confirmed, Tommy's name was rolled out as his No.2.He was a member of a well-known sporting family. His father Tommy was a Scottish International forward, who played for Sunderland, Partick Thistle, East Fife and Oldham Athletic. His Uncle, Jackie Sinclair, played for Dunfermline Athletic, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday, Chesterfield and Stenhousemuir, while his brother Barry was a National Hunt jockey.