The time is Wright, the time is now

By Nathan Jackson
September 26 2007

With optimistic Imps fans few and far between, and pessimism on the increase these days, we take a look at the evidence supporting a calling up for Ben Wright to the first team. Having played just 59 minutes after the club made a big song and dance about signing him, the man who scored a UEFA Cup goal against Chelsea should be given his fair chance in the first team.

Having started his career in the youth system at Deeping Rangers, Ben Wright would probably have seldom dreamed of an appearance against Chelsea in the UEFA Cup. His early career was filled with prospects however, winning the Lincolnshire Schools County Cup at the age of 18. He was quickly snapped up by Kettering Town, in 11 appearances for the then Conference side, he impressed many and won a £30,000 move to Bristol City.

Just 2 appearances in 3 years saw him unsurprisingly leave Ashton Gate and he was then snapped up by former Bristol City manager, Benny Lennartsson. The Swede was manager of Viking, a side in the top divison in Norway. The highlight of his career came in the 2001/2 season whilst at Viking. He played in a side that was losing 2-0 at Chelsea in the first leg of a UEFA Cup tie, in the 90th minute he popped up and scored a vital away goal. Viking would win the second leg 4-2 and progress onto the next round with a 5-4 aggregate win.

In 2003 he joined up with I.K Start, he soon helped them win promotion of the Tippeligaen, finishing top of their scoring charts for that campaign. Injuries kept him out for the majority of the two following campaigns, and he left Start in the summer having scored 28 goals in 68 appearances.

In the summer he had a trial with Barnet and their fans were genuinely upset when he was snapped up by the Imps from under their noses. The club made a very loud song and dance about signing him, describing his signing as a "coup" for the club. Since then he's been restricted to just 59 minutes of first team football.

With several first teams in a serious lack of form, and Wright producing the goods for the reserves, it's about time he was given a chance. In 4 appearances for the reserves, Wright has impressed many with his ability and scored a goal in the recent 4-3 defeat to Hull City Reserves.

He's not the only one to suffer though. Ollie Ryan was in spectacular form during the pre-season, only to then be ignored by the first team management. Even prolific form in the reserves, scoring 3 goals, hasn't been enough to get him nothing more than a few minutes of substitute appearances.

It's about time these two were given their chance this season, because quite frankly some of the first teamers aren't performing and need to pull their finger out.

Now I'm off to place a bet that Ollie Ryan will make a 2 minute appearance from the bench at Wrexham and Bury, with Ben Wright relaxing at his home for both games.