Wright is a formidable shot-stopper who made his debut for his home town club, Ipswich Town, in 1995. Wright was at one time viewed by many as a future England regular, but has slipped away from the limelight in recent years and decided to join West Ham in summer 2007.

He played a crucial role in Ipswich's play-off final success against Barnsley in May 2000, saving a penalty and pulling off a fine stop when Georgi Hristov threatened a late equaliser.

Following rumours he wanted to leave Ipswich for a bigger club and interest from Celtic he committed his future to the Tractor Boys in August 2000 with a two-year deal.

Wright was given a full England game in a pre-Euro 2000 friendly against Malta, when he again stopped a penalty... that he'd given away.

When Ipswich joined the Premiership, Wright had a better stage on which to show the world - and the England manager - his abilities. He did just that an was able to use a clause in his new contract to make a step up in the summer of 2001.

The clause stated that he must be told if Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United made a bid for him. It was Arsenal who made the bid and Wright eventually decided to take his chances at Highbury.

Wright joined the Gunners in full knowledge he would have to dislodge England number one David Seaman. He joined the Gunners for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £6million.

He made his debut in a 2-0 win at Derby County, but his Arsenal career would prove to be a disappointment. A series of errors led to much criticism from both pundits and fans alike, and a one stage he dropped behind Stuart Taylor in the pecking order at Highbury.

His loss of form cost him his place in the England squad for the 2002 World Cup - David James would go instead - and the rumour mill was speculating that Wright would have to move on.

It was Everton would made the move for the goalkeeper, signing him for a fee of £3.5million, with another £1million payable on appearances. Wright played 22 games for Arsenal in his one season at the club, winning a Championship medal.

After some impressive performances Wright fought his way back into the England squad that faced Australia - although he didn't get onto the pitch.

His 2003/04 season was beset by injury, and he missed most of the campaign with a knee problem picked up in September, eventually losing his place in the side to veteran Nigel Martyn.

During 2005/06 Martyn had a spell out with injury, but Wright promptly injured his ankle whilst warming up in a match against Chelsea and was out for the rest of the season.

His luck did not improve as Everton signed American Tim Howard from Manchester United, forcing him down the pecking order for the 2006/07 season.

In March he was rumoured to be interested in a move to Rangers, and even a return to Ipswich Town where he began his career.

He was released by Everton at the end of the 2006/07 season and chose to join West Ham to battle Robert Green for the first-team jersey, replacing Roy Carroll.