Former Blues keeper Richard Wright has left Preston North End with immediate effect within days of joining the League One Lilywhites. The 34-year-old, who was released by the Blues at the end of last season, says he’s been unable to settle in the North-West.

Wright, who joined up with the Lancastrian side for the first day of pre-season training on Wednesday having signed a one-year deal, said: "It might seem somewhat dramatic, but I have only been away from my home in East Anglia for a few days and I know already that I simply cannot live that far away from my family.

"I have children settled in school, so moving isn't an option. I think it is only fair to be honest now rather than down the line when the club may not be able to solve the problem that I am creating."

Preston manager Graham Westley added: "It takes a brave man to be honest in a difficult situation like this.

"Richard thought that he could handle the separations from his family, but he has found it too much. He is a good man and I wish him well on behalf of all at PNE."

Photo: Action Images

MathieandMarshall added 11:12 - Jul 7 Well said Sindre!! He is putting his family / his children first. No need to mock a man for doing that. Great player for us first time round. Yes he left too soon but not the first ad won't be the last to make that mistake! If a club like Arsenal come calling, you listen!
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TractorRoyNo1 added 11:43 - Jul 7 is that plug ugly being plug stupid
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roytheboy added 12:09 - Jul 7 It beggars belief that some posters on this site always seem to resort to cruel remarks, personally I have nothing but admiration for Richard for putting his family before everything else, we should not forget either what a great Goalkeeper and very important part of our club he has been.
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Marcus added 12:33 - Jul 7 Wright wins to Joey Beauchamp homesickness award 2012. My guess is that he'll end up at Cambridge or Southend. I don't think Col U need a keeper at the moment.
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bobble added 13:19 - Jul 7 the dark lord messed with his mind,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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petermorris added 13:42 - Jul 7 And mine.
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Lightningboy added 13:59 - Jul 7 At the end of the day Richard needs to decide whether he wants to live nearer home and take (i'm assuming a fairly decent wage cut) and join the likes of Colchester etc. Hope he finds a club nearer his family.
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brittaniaman added 19:37 - Jul 7 Sorry it has not worked out for you Richard ?? I can remember when he was on the same par as Robert Green !!! how things change in football ????
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Lombokblue added 18:29 - Jul 8 Give him a contract
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kerryblue added 16:12 - Jul 9 What a wally,he was a decent keeper in his first stint here but when he got big headed and turned Judas and left for Arsenal things went rapidly downhill,hopeless and flapless at Efc and West Ham and I was suprised to see him back here for the second and third time,he has no confidence left in him for the past ten years and would hate to see him take up coaching and pass on his tips yo youngsters,call it a day Wrighty you past it and shounever have walked out on us to go to Highbury,I dont see any future for him as a pundit on radio or tv as he would probularly drop the mic .

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