Wright, William Ambrose

▪ 1995

      ("BILLY"), British footballer (b. Feb. 6, 1924, Ironbridge, Shropshire, England—d. Sept. 3, 1994, London, England), was a mainstay of association football (soccer) in England for 13 years as a reliable defensive player and captain for the Wolverhampton Wanderers (1946-58) and as captain for 90 out of a then-record 105 appearances for England (1946-59). Wright joined the Wolverhampton grounds crew immediately after completing secondary school and tried out for the team in 1938. He played his first unofficial international match for England while serving his World War II tour of duty in the light infantry. Within two years of his return to professional football (1946), he had been named captain of both Wolverhampton and the national team. Wright's speed and brilliant defensive skills made him a valuable wing-half and (from 1954) centre-half. He led Wolves to the FA Cup title in 1949 and to the league championship in 1954, 1958, and 1959. He was named Footballer of the Year in 1952. After retiring as an active player in 1959, Wright tried his hand at managing Arsenal (1962-66), but he was deemed insufficiently ruthless. He had greater success as a television sportscaster and as an administrator with ATV Network (1966-81) and Central Independent Television (1982-89). Wright was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1959.

* * *