The New York Red Bulls today announced the signing of 33 year-old English midfielder Shaun Wright-Philips; brother of Red Bulls forward and designated player Bradley.
Shaun Wright-Philips comes by the way of relegated EPL side Queens Park Rangers who the winger was out of contract with after spending the last four seasons there. SWP started his professional career at Manchester City, where he helped the team earn promotion to the Barclay’s Premier League in 2000. In 2005, he joined Chelsea for three seasons, wining a BPL and FA Cup along the way. Wright-Philips went back to Manchester City for another three seasons before joining Queens Park Rangers. Wright-Philips became out of contract with QPR on June 30th and has been training with the Red Bulls to regain fitness after attending his brother Bradley’s wedding. SWP scored46 goals for club and 6 for country.
It had been rumored for the past month the Red Bulls were interested in the services of Wright-Philips but were at odds over salary. Rumors abound the Englishmen initially wanted a DP salary estimated at 1.5 million dollars but that he has signed at 375k.
The winger will challenge current Red Bull left winger and a player quickly growing in favor of the Red Bulls faithful, Mike Grella. Grella has cemented his position in the starting line up ever since Sal Zizzo went down injured early in the season. Up to that point, Jesse Marsch had deployed both players in starting and sub roles. Even though he has lost a step, Wright-Philips made a name with his speed and ability to take players on and beat them on the dribble, much like the Red Bulls other speedy winger, Lloyd Sam. It’s unlikely that SWP will unseat Grella right away but he does add needed depth in the attack for the Red Bulls.
(image courtesy of footballleagueworld.co.uk)
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