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Billy Wright – Captain Fantastic

© John Neill

England football captain, sporting superstar, married to a member of the most famous female singing group in Britain. Today that description would bring to mind David Beckam with his luxury lifestyle and worldwide fame. However in Britain in the 1950s that description fitted only one man, the legendary Billy Wright. It is difficult to imagine now just how idolised Billy Wright was. He was perhaps the first sports star to become a media personality combining sport with showbizness opening the way for the superstars of the 60s such as George Best. Above all however he was a footballer, the first player in the world to win 100 caps for his country, captain of England on 90 occasions and although a rugged defender he was never sent off or booked in over 600 games.

William Ambrose Wright was born in Ironbridge in Shropshire in 1924. He attended Madeley Senior School and was a star centre forward in the school team. Although he was an Arsenal supporter as a boy when Wolverhampton Wanderers advertised for boys to take football trials he was one of the first to apply. He made his first appearance for Wolves at 14 and although the then manager had doubts about Billy's natural ability he eventually decided to sign the youngster and when he was 19 he signed professional forms.

By the late 1940s Billy was an established first team player at Wolves. When the great Stan Cullis retired Billy was the obvious choice to become captain. In 1949 he led Wolverhampton Wanderers to the FA Cup final and victory over Leicester City. It was the first of a number of domestic honours Billy, and Wolves, were to win over the next decade.

In 1950 Billy led England to their first World Cup finals. It was to be a difficult tournament as England realised they were no longer the masters of football. This lesson was to be brought home to the England team on a number of occasions over the coming years as British football began to recognise the importance of playing the top teams in Europe and the world.

Through the early 1950s Wolves came close to winning the First Division Championship just missing out a couple of times. They were also becoming a major name in Europe, as they were one of the first teams from England to play friendlies against foreign opposition. These evening fixtures became famous and helped lead to the formation of the European Cup competition, the forerunner of today's Champions League. During this time Billy's reputation grew and he was named Player of the Year in 1952 and led England to the World Cup in 1954 and again in 1958.

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