One would imagine that Mark Hughes will wake up this morning feeling pretty happy. The Welshman saw his side scrape through to the UEFA Cup group stages last night after a late equaliser and a successful penalty shoot-out against Midtjylland, meaning that he’ll be able to offer his latest acquisition the chance to play in Europe this season.
Shaun Wright-Phillips managed just 43 league starts during this three seasons at Chelsea, nearly matching that figure with the number of appearances made from the bench. At the age of 26, it’s clear that the winger should be playing regular first-team football and The Guardian report that this has pretty much been guaranteed to him by the Manchester City manager.
Shaun Wright-Phillips smiled properly for the “first time in ages” yesterday, according to his adoptive father Ian Wright, after completing a £9m return from Chelsea to Manchester City.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile properly for ages because he’s going to play football again,” Wright said. “It’s such great news, I’m delighted for him. I’ve spoken at length to Mark Hughes and now I know he’s going to be playing regularly.”
The 26-year-old’s first home game for City will come against Chelsea on September 13 and he will be formerly presented by the club today after signing a four-year contract. “Obviously I’m delighted to come back to City and I just can’t wait to get started again,” he said.
Indeed, it’s been a disappointing three seasons for SWP, who just hasn’t been able to get a look-in under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Phil Scolari. Which begs the question as to why Chelsea were prepared to spend £23 million on the winger. Nevertheless, City fans will remember some of his brilliant performances for them during his first spell at the club and must be chuffed that he’s returned for a second bite of the cherry?