TOWIE star Mark Wright named on the bench for Crawley Town’s FA Cup tie with Leeds United
Mark Wright #MarkWright
The Only Way is Essex star Mark Wright was named on the substitutes’ bench for Crawley Town’s FA Cup tie with Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United on Sunday.
The 33-year-old, who played at Crawley during the 2006-07 season before seeking a career as TV personality figure, rejoined the club on a non-contract basis back in December.
Wright could make a dream debut against the Premier League outfit in the third round on Sunday by coming off the bench and making an impact for the John Yem’s League Two side as they plot a sensational upset.
TV personality Mark Wright was named on the bench of Crawley’s FA Cup match with Leeds
The TOWIE star completed a non-contract deal with Crawley back in December
The left-footed player, who has been a regular in the Soccer Aid charity games, had been training with the club for two months before completing a free transfer there.
As a youngster, Wright came through the ranks at Tottenham and even captained one of their youth teams but was released by the north London club which saw him drop down to non-league.
The TV star – who is married to actress Michelle Keegan – admitted that being let go by Spurs was a devastating moment for him but it was the result of having too much fun as young up-and-coming talent.
Wright (right) started his youth Tottenham but was released by Spurs and then worked in TV
He told the BBC: ‘The day I got released from Tottenham was one of the worst days of my life. I cried my eyes out, I realised I messed up.
‘I didn’t want to face my family, I didn’t want to face my friends. I was embarrassed. I had it all, 18, going to clubs and I just thought, “It’s done. I’ve been spoiled, I played for Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham all of my life and never had to suffer when it came to football.”
‘Captain of the youth team, playing for the reserves with Jamie Redknapp, Stephen Dalmat, Helder Postiga. I had it all.
Wright could make an impact off the bench as Crawley hope to stun Premier League Leeds
Marcelo Bielsa’s (above) side could be stunned by the former TOWIE actor on Sunday
‘I went away one summer for a month, I drank alcohol for the first time, ate what I wanted every day, put on a stone and a half and came back to training pre-season and the goalkeepers were beating me. Never pulled it back.
‘Went to League One club Southend and thought “Right, I’ve dropped the down to League One, I’ve got to get myself back up.” I’m going to train harder, train longer. Do what I’m doing now at Crawley.
‘Staying out after with the fitness coach. On my days, I’m going to work harder to get back.’
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