Former Sheffield United ace takes break from classroom to win World Cup alongside ex-Man City star
Former Sheffield United ace Jake Wright enjoyed international success at the weekend
Former Sheffield United defender Jake Wright is someone that likes to set a good example both and off the pitch.
As a player, he notably racked up 53 appearances for the Blades, including 30 across all competitions in Chris Wilder’s first term in charge as the Bramall Lane outfit won the 2016/17 League One title at a canter with an emphatic 100 points.
Prior to that, the tough-tackling centre-half also helped Oxford United win promotion back into the Football League after a four-year hiatus in 2010 - and was equally prevalent in the team that won automatic promotion from League Two six years later, just months before his move to Bramall Lane.
Wright wasn’t always a regular in S2 but he was often seen as someone that Wilder could trust and his attitude made him something of an unsung hero behind the scenes.
“I love players like that. People who get the maximum out of their careers. It’s not been a glittering career with medals littered all over the place. But every manager he’s had will tell you what Jake is like,” Wilder said at the time.
Wright’s playing days are finished now but his leadership skills and hard work continue to serve him well in his new career as Head of Year 8 at Newfield School.
But he’s not lost his passion for the sport - and was recently seen dusting off his boots with the England Veterans at the Senior’s World Cup.
During the tournament, Wright linked up with former Premier League stars such as former Manchester City ace Gareth Barry, ex-Aston Villa playmaker Lee Hendrie and former Ipswich Town defender Luke Chambers among others.
Wright was a stalwart in the Three Lions team that went all the way to the final in Thailand, beating the host nation 2-0 in the group stage before further victories over Taiwan and USA before an emphatic 5-2 win in the semi-final over Australia.
All this led to Wright and co facing France in the final as the Three Lions secured a comprehensive 4-0 win, much to the delight of those in the Steel City, with the Newfield School community proudly getting behind him and his teammates, sending messages of support and good luck throughout the tournament.
Safeguarding manager at the school Emma Hill told The Star: “Everyone at Newfield School congratulates Jake and the England team on their outstanding success and for bringing home the World Cup trophy. It is an incredible accomplishment and an inspiration to students and staff alike.”