[2] He went on to play for a number of non-League clubs, in particular Gateshead where he made more than 200 appearances and where from 2007 to 2010 he was assistant manager.
[2][3] Wrightson joined Preston North End, newly promoted to the Third Division and managed by former Newcastle United defender John McGrath.
The following season, Preston adopted a three-man defensive line, with Wrightson playing alongside Bob Atkins and Adrian Hughes;[citation needed] they reached the end-of-season playoffs only to lose to eventual winners Port Vale.
In five seasons with the club he made a total of 226 appearances,[5] before enjoying spells with Yeovil Town, Spennymoor United and Blyth Spartans.
He coached juniors at Walker Central BC for three years,[3] before returning to Gateshead in May 2007 as assistant to former Newcastle and Preston teammate Ian Bogie, newly appointed as first team manager.