HE was centre stage in one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.

And Ian Wright has a score to settle with Blackburn Rovers.

The last time the England striker faced them was at Highbury last December. Rovers won 3-1 but, while that defeat signalled the start of a Highbury transformation from mid-table mediocrity to title winners, it was also the beginning of the end for Wright's record-breaking Arsenal career.

He was so frustrated that day, the striker ended up being booked and was to play only a handful of games in the second half of the season.

Wright's time was up but West Ham boss Harry Redknapp was more than happy to sign a player he believes has been an inspiration to the whole of Upton Park.

"I have been a big fan of his for years but I never thought I'd get him because I didn't think he would ever leave Arsenal," said Redknapp.

"Ian looks after himself tremendously. He is in the gym on the bike at nine every morning, stretching and getting himself ready for training.

"He is like a young boy really. He is so bouncy and the only voice you hear around here is him singing and shouting. He is good for the young kids who can look at him and what you can achieve if you are dedicated.

"Ian can go on playing for as long as he wants to and I want all the players to be that enthusiastic."

Roy Hodgson this week described Dutch ref Rene Temming as the wrong man in the wrong place. Hopefully, West Ham will not have the Wright man in the wrong place for Rovers tomorrow.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.