Former Fox Wright Looking Forward To Beaglehole Reunion
Wright, 32, came through the Academy at the turn of the millennium. For many City fans, his winner against Nottingham Forest in January 2003, at just 18, still ranks among their fondest memories.
The Kirby Muxloe-born striker scored twice in 21 appearances during his five years at the Club and is now enjoying a successful spell in charge of National League North side Nuneaton.
Boro welcome City's Under-23s to Liberty Way on Saturday (1pm kick-off) in a fixture which pits Wright up against Beaglehole, his Foxes mentor, for the third time after two encounters at Corby.
Looking back to that victory over Forest 14 years ago, the former England youth international said: “Micky Adams gave me the nod an hour before the game which absolutely terrified me.
“To play in front of that many people for your boyhood team was already a massive achievement for me but to score the winning goal was amazing for me, my family and my friends.
"I think the fans enjoyed seeing one of their own scoring that goal too.”
Wright credits Beaglehole for much of his success since going into management in 2016 - and is looking forward to welcoming his friend to Liberty Way this weekend.
“I owe him more or less everything,” he continued. “I’ve just mentioned Micky and I can put Steve in the same breath. Without his coaching and his guidance, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.
“I have stayed in contact with him throughout my career and, since going into management, he’s been someone I lean on for advice. Whenever I need advice, I always go to people that I trust.
"Steve has always been there, I’ve always looked up to him.”
Wright has already experienced the ecstasy of promotion and the agony of relegation as a manager. In his fifth year in the hot seat, he says the profession gives him the same thrill as his goalscoring days.
He added: “I love it. I actually get the same buzz when we win a game as a manager as I did when I was still playing and scoring; you’re equally as happy.
“I always wanted to stay in football, but when your legs start telling you they won’t go anymore, you have to look at other things. I’ve been lucky at my age that this is my fifth season in management. I feel like I’ve learned a lot. There are always ups and downs but it’s very satisfying.”
As a Leicester native, Wright watched on in awe as City lifted the Premier League title in 2016.
“It was amazing," he said. "The incredible thing about Leicester is that everybody who worked there when I was there is still there today. I recognise some many people there still.
"When you go to the training ground or the stadium, even the people on reception are the same. It’s an absolutely incredible football club. To see them win the Premier League title, it was special.
"As a fan who has Leicester in my blood, it was amazing to see.”
Find out how the Under-23s fare against Nuneaton – who also have fellow ex-Foxes striker Ashley Chambers among their ranks – on LCFC.com on Saturday.