Former IK Start, Viking and Lincoln City Man Seals Australia Switch

Australian outfit Robina City has announced the signing of former professional footballer Ben Wright as its new Academy Coach.

Wright, an experienced coach from New Zealand outfit Nelson Suburbs, is best remembered for scoring a crucial goal in a UEFA Cup clash against Premier League giants Chelsea in 2002. He had a long career with the likes of IK Start, Viking and Lincoln City among others.

Wright, now turning his focus to coaching, brings with him a wealth of experience from his time playing for clubs in Norway and England. His career highlights include a memorable spell at Norwegian top-flight side Viking FK, where he scored a dramatic 90th-minute header at Stamford Bridge. While Viking narrowly lost that match 2-1, Wright’s goal proved pivotal as they went on to stun Chelsea in the return leg, knocking them out of the competition with a 4-2 win.

The striker also had a successful career in Norway, playing not only for Viking FK but also IK Start, where he spent five seasons. He helped Start win promotion to Norway’s top division in 2004 by finishing as the club’s top scorer. In England, Wright turned out for clubs like Bristol City, Macclesfield Town, and Lincoln City, where he was the top scorer during the 2007/08 season, netting 15 goals in League Two.

Now armed with a UEFA C coaching licence, Wright has spent the past 12 years developing young talent in New Zealand, most notably as Director of Football and a Futsal Development Officer at Nelson Suburbs FC. His experience and leadership will be central to his new role at Robina City, where he’ll aim to nurture the next generation of footballers.

Wright is expected to join the club from New Zealand in November, with the specific details of his coaching responsibilities to be revealed soon. This move marks an exciting development for Robina City, as the club looks to tap into Wright’s vast experience in both playing and coaching at higher levels.

Site Opinion

Ben Wright’s arrival at Robina City is a significant coup for the club, and it highlights the growing ambition of grassroots football in Australia. Wright’s extensive experience playing in top leagues in both Norway and England, coupled with his UEFA Cup heroics against Chelsea, brings a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly benefit young players. His transition from a prolific striker to a coach shows his dedication to the game, and Robina City is set to gain from his leadership and tactical insight. For a club looking to grow its academy and develop future talent, Wright’s appointment is a shrewd move.

What makes this even more exciting is Wright’s coaching background, particularly his 12-year stint in New Zealand where he focused on both football and futsal development. This blend of skills and experience in youth coaching will be invaluable to Robina City. Wright understands the demands of top-level football but also appreciates the importance of nurturing young talent at a foundational level. His arrival could signal a new era for the club, one that focuses not just on winning, but on building a strong pipeline of homegrown players for the future.