Friday, 6 December 2002 12:00 AM
Danny Wright was born, grew up with family and friends and played his junior soccer in the Sunshine State. This weekend the South coach returns to his home state in need of three away points.
Before joining South Melbourne he played in the National Soccer League for Brisbane Lions. After a successful 1991 campaign with South Melbourne, he moved back to his hometown of Brisbane to settle down with his new wife and began a family. He continued to play football in Brisbane with the Strikers and in his last season (1996/97), won a Championship under Socceroo coach Frank Farina.
Tomorrow the 38 year old will return to Brisbane in charge of the Blue and Whites, aware of his side’s away performances, which he is confident, his side can turn their interstate form around tomorrow night at Ballymore Stadium.
“My focus is totally on our team getting a result in Brisbane this weekend. Our away form has been very ordinary this season and the players and coaching staff want to turn that around starting this weekend.”
“Obviously my history with Brisbane will have extra significance when we visit Brisbane Strikers tomorrow”, says Wright.
Wright is familiar with Brisbane’s squad having covered matches on pay television with C7 Sports as a guest commentator over the past few seasons. He regards Brisbane a worthy opposition and believes the heat could be an influential factor in the round 12 clash.
“I know their players very well having watched and commentated on their games over the last few years. They play a very open and attacking style of game, which can be very effective”.
“Having watched the tapes of their last two matches, I think they’re a better team than their position on the ladder would suggest. They are a dangerous opponent and we won’t be underestimating them”, says Wright
“The heat and humidity in Brisbane can also be a telling factor. We’ll be preparing for those conditions mentally and physically this week”.
South Melbourne will carry out their final training hit out tonight and travel to Brisbane tomorrow morning with a decision on the squad to be finalised this evening.