Millwall goalkeeper Joe Wright has moved on a permanent transfer to League Of Ireland Premier Division side Galway United.
The 22-year-old was a regular player in the academy sides of the Lions and featured in multiple Championship squads during his teenage years at The Den. He arrived at the Bermondsey club when he was 13.
He has also appeared on trials for many Irish league clubs, including Cray Wanderers and Walton Casuals. Wright has also featured in Galway’s pre-season campaign, where he has not conceded a single goal.
The London club sent the keeper out on loan to Bath City and most recently Salford City, where he made three EFL Trophy appearances for the Ammies as they exited in the group stages.
Bath City was his first taste of senior football, making 14 appearances for The Romans before his loan was cut short by injury.
Galway United were promoted to the Irish top flight after winning the First Division last season, with their campaign kicking off against St Patrick’s Athletic at home on February 16.
Speaking to The Tribesmen upon his arrival at the club, the 22-year-old said: “I like to be on the front foot, high and sweeping. I like to be involved in the game, always offering angles to play.
“I’m looking to play when it’s on but obviously at the right times, and if it’s not go long. Coming for crosses and just sweeping up really.
“We had a Zoom call with John and Ollie and they were telling me what was going on here, obviously they’ve just been promoted as well. There was a real buzz about it’s something I want to be a part of.”
Writer’s View
Joe Wright is a solid option for Galway United as they look to make an impact upon their return to the top flight for the first time since 2017. The keeper looks to have impressed the Tribesmen team during his pre-season trial with the club and should fit into the lineup straight away. Wright has not had much of a chance to feature heavily at his previous clubs, so a move to a new league could be the jumping point he needs.
Millwall have Bart Bialkowski, Connal Trueman and former Birmingham City keeper Matija Sarkic as their first-team options, so Wright was unlikely to ever feature for the club. Joe Edwards’ side have made the best move for the 22-year-old’s career by letting him move away from London.
