Wright Is City's 'Aggressive Aussie'

Friday, January 6th 2017

Bailey Wright is all set to bring some “Australian aggression” to City’s backline.

The 24-year-old has become the club’s third January signing, joining from Preston North End on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

He could make his debut against Fleetwood Town in the Emirates FA Cup at Ashton Gate tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm) – and he has told Bristol City Player HD what fans can expect from him.

“I’m a versatile defender and I don’t mind the ball at my feet,” he said.

“I’m aggressive and physical – perhaps that’s been drilled into me growing up in Australia.

“It’s a young, talented team. I’m young but I certainly don’t feel it; I’ve been here (in England) for eight years and have played a lot of matches.

“I’ve got an idea of how the head coach wants me to play and that will only improve with every training session. I just can’t wait to get going.”

The centre-back moved to England from his native Australia in 2009, joining Preston’s youth ranks.

Since then he has appeared more than 200 times for the Lilywhites, winning a Young Player of the Year award in 2013 and a League One play-off final winner’s medal in 2015.

He added: “It’s always going to be tough to leave a club you’ve been with for eight years, but it’s a new chapter to look forward to.

“I’m grateful for my time at Preston and had a lot of success there. I wish them all the best for the future.

“Since I’ve been in the UK, I’ve always been at one club so this is a new part of my career. It seems like a great setup here with a great bunch of lads.

“I’m excited to be here. I’m looking forward to what is ahead. I’ve got big ambitions and I’m joining a big club in a really nice city.

“We’ve had a few good battles over the years with Bristol City (at Preston) and I’ve also played with a number of players who have been at the club.

“Results haven’t been great recently but I’ve seen the team play a number of times and you can see, with the way the team has been playing, they really don’t deserve to have lost all of those games.

“We are where we are and we just have to get on with it. I’ve come here to win football matches and push the club up the division.”