[3] Born in Aldershot, Wright joined Colchester United from local amateur forms in May 1952, becoming a part-time professional whilst on National Service.
He was a serviceman when he made his first-team debut for the club during the 1954–55 season,[2] a 5–3 defeat to Southampton at Layer Road on 30 April 1955.
[4] Four of Wright's five first-team appearances for Colchester came during his conscription, largely down to the consistency of Percy Ames as he clocked up four consecutive seasons without missing a game for the club.
Wright waited patiently for his next chance, which was to be his final professional game, bringing an end to Ames' string of 236 consecutive appearances.
In the game, Wright saved a penalty from Bill Myerscough but the club still lost 2–0 to Coventry City on 14 January 1961.