.png)
Wright forced to retire
Sad news from Burton Albion today that Ian Wright is to retire because of injury problems.
Bulls News recently reported that former Hereford United captain had told Tony James, the present Bulls captain, that he was having problems with injuries.
Today's Derby Evening Telegraph says that Wright has had to admit defeat this week in his battle against a recurring ankle injury.
The Brewers centre-half, who has played only once this season, has announced he is to retire at the age of 32 after an operation failed to cure the problem.
The former Hereford United captain joined the Brewers in summer last year after four successful seasons with the Bulls and manager Nigel Clough had every intention of building his defence around Wright.
For a while, it looked like a wise decision, as Wright turned in some fine early displays.
But he received his first whack on the ankle in the second game of last season against Shrewsbury and, by November, was forced to have an operation.
He was back in the side by January but concedes now that he never fully recovered.
This season, he has been resting the injury in the hope that it would clear up.
"But every time I do something, the pain comes back and, in the end, my future health has to come first," said Wright.
"At the minute, I'm going to pack it in altogether.
"You never say never and maybe I'll be able to play again at a lower level sometime but it doesn't feel that way now."
The Brewers will come to an agreement with Wright about the remainder of his contract.
"It's very, very unfortunate," said Clough.
"We looked much more solid with Ian in the team and we feel very sorry for him.
"The operation took away growths on his ankle bone but they have come back and he's decided he has no choice but to call it it a day."