It was probably the worst kept secret in non-league football, but the arrival of Danny Wright into the Cambridge United ranks for next season still raised a few eyebrows in the Cambridgeshire football community.

A consistent scorer for our A14 rivals Histon and regular thorn in the side for the U's, the 25-year-old signed a two year deal with the Club and was unveiled at of the All-Stars game earlier this month.

Wright had been noticed by U's legend John Beck scoring for fun with Norfolk amateur outfit Dereham United, from where he moved to Histon and made his name as an uncompromising centre-forward with a nose for goal.

For those of us that haven't seen Danny in action, he describes his qualities with confidence, "I would describe myself as a big, powerful centre forward who can hold the ball up for the team and be a target man, but can also make runs in behind the defence if playing off someone" explains the former Dereham striker.

"I still have a lot to learn, especially now I've moved to full time football, but I'm very much looking forward to working with all the coaching staff, and being whatever striker they need me to be".

The season before last Wright was the star of the Histon front-line, notching eleven goals including numerous assists. His last campaign wasn't so successful, with the on and off-field turmoil a big factor in the decline, something he looks back on with realism. "Last season was never going to be as successful as previous years, with or without the off-field drama, what with the players that left the club and the lack of money to replace them. But at the start of the season when things were settled and the players knew what was going on, we did OK, my form was good and I was scoring a few goals". 

He explains how things quickly turned sour. "Unfortunately that didn't last, first with the boardroom changes and then a swap of manager. It wasn't easy for the players, as the form showed in the latter part of the season. Now I'm just glad to put that season behind me and get back in form and scoring goals for Cambridge".

After the problems encountered last year, it didn't seem too hard for Danny to decide which club to ply his trade for these next two years. "Cambridge have everything I was looking for in my new club, and I don't have to move home to do it!" he laughs "I did have other options but as soon as I talked to the gaffer I knew where I wanted to be playing my football next season".

Speaking of the 'gaffer', Danny reveals his eagerness to work with his new manager. "I'm looking forward to playing football for Martin Ling. I knew of him before coming here but not much about him. He obviously knows his stuff, and I think he, along with the other coaching staff, can improve me as a player and get the best out of me".

Whilst his former team-mate Danny Naisbitt was met with a few jeers, mumbles and grumbles on his announced signing, Wright's capture was met with a positive reaction. He still feels he may have to work extra hard to keep the passionate U's fans on his side, bearing in mind his former club. "Obviously I'm going to have my doubters, especially after the season I've just had, and it's up to me to show the fans I'm good enough to help Cambridge to promotion!" he smiles

"I believe I am good enough and cannot wait to rise to the challenge and show the fans what I can do. I was highly envious of the Cambridge players when we played against them because of the massive following they have, and I'm looking forward to playing in front of the supporters as soon as the season kicks off".

As with all football clubs at this time of year, the coming's and going's are plentiful, and U's fans were dealt a blow with the popular duo Danny Crow and Dan Gleeson leaving for Luton Town. Despite this, Wright still believes United are primed for a serious title challenge. "They were obviously very good footballers, but I still think Cambridge are more than capable to push for promotion this year. I want to play the highest standard of football I can, hopefully in the Football League, and I believe Cambridge can offer me this. It will be very interesting to see how the team will take shape for next season, and with more signings to come, I am itching for the season to start"

Danny comes to us with an unfamiliar background to most professional footballers, in that he has to give up his '9 to 5' job to take up his mantle as full-time professional footballer, something which could take some getting used to.

"It's not going to be easy, and there's a lot of hard work to be done, especially with pre-season, but it's every boy's dream to become a full-time footballer and I can't wait for the challenge." he muses as he mulls over his decision to quit his job as a coach-building carpenter. "Before, I was working your typical 40-hour-week then having to drive to training three nights a week, so although the training will be tough and more intense I feel it will benefit me not only as a footballer, but as a person too".

Finishing with his aims and hopes for the season ahead, Danny is eager to reiterate his desire for progression. "I signed for Cambridge to win promotion to the Football League, nothing less. As I speak I cannot wait for the season to start. I can assure all fans that I and everyone involved with Cambridge United will be working very hard to ensure it will be a successful one"

Interview by Chris Vessey

Cambridge United: YOUR CITY - YOUR CLUB

Make Your Click Count For The U's - talk about it on the Message Board!

You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website, unless otherwise stated, is subject to copyright © and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source including all quotes.

WJ240510 web@cambridge-united.co.uk