Stephen Wright

After finding first team opportunities increasingly difficult to come by, Wright joined Sunderland in a £1.5 million deal, which would eventually rise to £3 million. Wright was handed the number 2 shirt and made first choice right back, replacing Bernt Haas , who had moved on loan to FC Basel . Wright's tough and uncompromising style made him initially popular with the Sunderland faithful, however, a drastic loss of form, combined with Sunderland's dreadful form in the league saw him criticised towards the end of the season. Sunderland were eventually relegated with a record low of 19 points, [ 10 ] in a season that saw manager Peter Reid sacked just weeks after signing Wright, and his replacement, Howard Wilkinson , sacked five months into his role. Wilkinson was replaced by former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy , who often alternated between Wright and teammate Darren Williams for the right back slot during the 2003–04 season. With the club performing well in the league, Wright's confidence grew as a player, and he soon won over his critics with a series of solid displays. Wright scored his first goal for the club on 25 August 2003 against Watford at the Stadium of Light. [ 11 ] Unfortunately for Wright, Sunderland were beaten in the play-offs by Crystal Palace , crushing any hope of a swift return to the Premier League . [ 10 ] During the summer, McCarthy strengthened the squad by signing Manchester United right back Mark Lynch , though Wright remained first choice. After a poor start, Sunderland eventually won the league comfortably, with Wright playing a major role and earning himself the respect of the supporters that had once criticised him. As a measure of his popularity, Wright was one of the front-runners for the annual Player of the Year award, eventually finishing in 4th place. With Sunderland returning to the Premier League , Wright was expected to resume his role at right back, however, a serious knee injury put Wright on the shelf for six m — Wikipedia