The usually-reliable Football Insider is reporting that Queens Park Rangers are one of a host of clubs eyeing our surprise breakout star, Jordan Wright.
It’s mad that 25 days ago we were preparing for a relegation run-in with Josh Griffiths in goal, and Jordan was just a figure on the bench. He arrived under the radar in the winter, seemingly a stopgap to ensure we had cover on the bench whilst sam long went off on loan. He cut an imposing figure, standing 6ft 5in tall, but it felt like his signing mirrored that of Charlie Andrew or Archie Mair; names we would be unlikely to see at the top of the teamsheet.
Since then, he’s kept two clean sheets in a month, which is a huge credit given we only managed two in the league in the previous seven. He’s pulled off eye-catching saves, not least against Shrewsbury at the weekend and, of course, late in the day against Sunderland. He’s commanding of his area, and despite the odd nervy moment, he’s emerged as something of a surprise star at Sincil Bank. He even came second in the voting for your Player of the Month in March, not bad for someone whose Christian name I had to check on a podcast five weeks ago.
It seems we’re not the only ones impressed by the former Forest man. Queens Park Rangers have had something of a keeper crisis, with five on their books, including Kieren Westwood who was one of the free agents I suggested we might move for after Josh Griffiths’ injury. Three of those, David Marshall, Keiren Westwood and Dillon Barnes are out of contract come the summer, and if the report is accurate, the Hoops have identified Wright as the man they need to bolster their options.
It would be hard for the Imps to turn down an offer; flipping players for a profit is part of how we progress, but it would also be a shame to lose a promising keeper so soon after his breakthrough. I’ve never felt worried with Jordan in, and I can’t say that about other debutant keepers who come in late, or at short notice. He hasn’t made any early howlers, as England Under 21 Josh Griffiths’ did when he first came in, which is a testament to his attitude and character. Keepers always make mistakes, it’s inevitable, but there hasn’t been signs of nerves and I like that.
If he were to move up the divisions, he wouldn’t be the first City keeper to go on to better things. The very first keeper I ever saw at City was Lee Butler, who left us for Aston Villa. There was Matt Dickens who moved to Blackburn Rovers, and Scott Loach who didn’t even get on the field for us, but went to Watford. When we haven’t been developing a young keeper, we had a few stalwarts who have remained with us for lengthy spells, such as Alan Marriott and Paul Farman. Indeed, in recent years Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths have developed on our books, whilst Josh Vickers is now getting the game time his talent deserves at Rotherham.
If Jordan Wright were to move, so quickly after signing, it would be great for him, and for the club. Of course, if he doesn’t, and his early promise is worked upon and developed, he could well become the Imps number one next season. At 23, Wright is not a kid anymore, and his recent performances have proven he could well have what it takes to be a number one, here or maybe at Loftus Road.
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