BAILEY READY TO MIX IT
BRISTOL CITY defender Bailey Wright wants to thank Preston for saving him from a life shovelling cement by ending North End’s eight-match unbeaten run.
The 26-year-old began his career at Deepdale after arriving from Australia for a trial as a teenager.
He said: “I am from Melbourne and football was running out of options for me. My mum and dad muscled up some money, put me on a flight to the UK and got me a trial at Preston and Blackburn.
“Thankfully it worked out at Preston. I am grateful because had it not worked out I probably wouldn’t be playing football now.
“But here I am 10 years later, still playing in England.
“If it didn’t work out I’d have been home in Australia, probably working for my dad in drainage and construction, doing lot of digging, steel work and sand-bag making.
“When I used to go home and I was on a youth team wage just getting by, I would work for dad for some extra pocket money. He used to give me buckets, a shovel and sand bags. That kept me grounded. I enjoyed it but I enjoy football more.
“I was 16, loved playing football and dreamt of making a career out of it. It’s worked out better than I ever expected.”
Wright scored eight goals in 179 league games for Preston before joining Bristol City in 2017.
He added: “I have still got good friendships with people there but there are no friends when you are on the pitch.
“I spent a big chunk of my life there and enjoyed it but I’m a City player now and I love it here.”