Former Newcastle United favourite working on a short-term basis with Hartlepool United

The popular physio spent almost four decades at St James Park.
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Former Newcastle United stalwart Derek Wright is working at League Two club Hartlepool United on a ‘short-term’ basis.

The long-serving physio brought an end to a remarkable 38-year service at St James Park during the summer after working under the likes of Kevin Keegan, Sir Bobby Robson and Rafa Benitez. After becoming a hugely popular figure at the club, Wright admitted the decision had been a tough one to make.

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He told the club website: “It has been an honour and a privilege to work for Newcastle United Football Club and I would like to thank all of the managers, coaches, players, staff and fans who have made it such a memorable time.

“I am very happy to maintain my connection with the club, but I am looking forward to the future spending and enjoying time with my family. I will continue supporting my club as always watching the team go from strength to strength.”

His is now working with Hartlepool after physio Michael Harding departed the club last week. That left Keith Curle without a physio on his backroom staff during the recent 3-1 defeat at Barrow - but the former Manchester City and England defender has now confirmed Wright is working with the club in the short-term and is already making an impact on his squad.

The Pools boss told the Hartlepool Mail: “We’re on with the process but we’ve got a new physio on board who has come in for the short-term and has seen an immediate upturn in the players’ availability out on the training ground.

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“When you’ve got somebody like Derek Wright who’s had years of experience at Newcastle, who have been through a whole wide range of emotions as a football club as well, that experience is vitally important as well as then his hands on expertise which has already been benefiting some of the players.”

Pools are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they host League Two rivals Harrogate Town in the second round of the FA Cup.