Ex-Premier League striker changes career to become police officer

A former Premier League striker who retired from football to become a police officer is now captain of Britain's national police team.

Tommy Wright, 38, helped Leicester City get promoted to the top flight in 2003 before going on to play for a host of clubs, including Brentford, Barnsley, Aberdeen and Luton Town.

After hanging up his boots, he became a student police officer in 2020 after a spell in football management.

Wright played 250 games during an 11-year career and also played for England at under-19 and under-20 level, going to a Euros and a World Cup.

The striker, from Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, returned to the pitch last Wednesday to lead out the UK Police Football Association team to a 2-1 victory against a side from Ireland's police force, the Garda Síochána, at Luton Town's ground, Kenilworth Road.

PC Wright played for Leicestershire Police's men's team before being called up for the national side.

"I was made captain of the team this season which fills me with so much pride - leading such a successful side and great group of men," he said.

“Being able to combine my previous career with my new one has been amazing and to continue to do something I love means a lot to me.

Read more: Brewdog accused of hypocrisy over 'anti-sponsorship' of World Cup

“To be selected to represent the GB side was a first for me and a great experience to play alongside officers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland."

Wright is now hoping to be selected for the UK squad in next year's European Championships, which will be held in England.

“I have been lucky enough to represent my country previously at a European Championships and a World Cup during my playing career, so to be selected for the police national side next year and to represent Leicestershire would be an honour and fill me with immense pride," he said.

PC Wright works in Leicester, where he is fondly remembered for scoring the Foxes' winner against Nottingham Forest in April 2003.

As a coach, he won the Southern League with Corby Town in 2015.

While managing the eduction programme for Mansfield Town, he spotted a job advert to become a trainee police officer and successfully applied.

Wright made debut his Premier League debut for Leicester City in March 2002 at the age of 17 against Leeds United.

The Foxes were relegated two months later, but he helped get them back to the top flight the following season, scoring the winning goal against Forest in a 1-0 victory in the East Midlands Derby in April 2003.

In 2011, he helped win the FA Trophy for Darlington at Wembley Stadium. He scored 61 goals in a career which spanned all four of England's top divisions.