£21M for any player is always going to put added pressure on a player when moving clubs, but when it happens as part of a Russian Revolution it becomes even harder to make an impact. Shaun Wright-Phillips had the envious task of trying to break through into a team full of international stars, managed by a man not afraid to make difficult decisions. After establishing himself under Kevin Keegan at Manchester City and being named Young Player of the Year a record three times, Shaun Wright-Phillips caught the attention of officials at Chelsea and signed a five-year contract in 2005. His first season was not the hero's welcome perhaps expected, making only 15 appearances. He spent most of his time at the club fighting for a place with Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and Joe Cole, but his time at the club was tainted by poor form and a lack of faith from the manager. Not making an impact at the Bridge also had serious consequences for his England career. He missed out on a place at the 2006 World Cup and his Chelsea career was well and truly over when he failed to make the squad for the 2008 Champions League Final. Finally, Wright-Phillips decided enough was enough, securing a move back to the club he made his name at Manchester City.
I’m a 23-year-old journalist having previously produced content for A Stamford Bridge Too Far, The Sun Newspaper and VincoSport. I currently write for Formula One Fancast and What Culture producing weekly blogs and features. I am a co-founder, writer and editor of Tibs News and am a big follower of football, Formula One and combat sports such as MMA, boxing and wrestling.
