Yeovil Town have announced the loan signing of Southampton goalkeeper Ollie Wright for the upcoming season.
The 21-year-old, who was in the Worthing squad last season – and saved a Rhys Murphy penalty at Huish Park in April – joins on a season-long loan from the Saints.
The 6’4″ stopper, who was born in Frome, joins the Glovers’ goalkeeper department alongside Will Buse who remains under contract after spending the majority of last season with Bath City.
Manager Mark Cooper was told ytfc.net there was competition to bring in the Frome-born player, who signed a new contract at St Mary’s until 2026 this summer. The boss said: “The process to finalise the deal was rigorous and required numerous presentations and conversations against other National League and Football League clubs to bring him here. Ollie has a commanding presence and made a strong impression when we faced him last season against Worthing.”
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, the player said: “I’m really excited, it’s nice to be here and I’m excited to get going. I did have some interest, but this was a no brainer for me after speaking with the Gaffer, the style of play and players suits me to a tee and being a local lad I think is here.”
There will be at least one familiar face among his new team-mates in the shape of Glovers’ midfielder Dylan Morgan, Wright said: “It will be nice to play with Dylan again, it’s been a while. He’s a close mate of mine, so it will be good. I am excited.”
The keeper’s last outing saw him on the right side of a 3-1 win for Worthing back in April, a game when he saved a 50th minute penalty from then-Glovers’ striker, Rhys Murphy – and he admitted he is keen to make amends with his new supporters.
He said: “I remember coming after the game and thinking to myself, this is a good place to play football for next year and I am here now and ready to make it up to the fans after the Worthing game! I am ready for the challenge and ready to showcase my skills and what I am about and most importantly win games for the Gaffer and the lads.”
Wright has had a loan spell in the South West, started last season with Bath City in National League South before picking up an injury which saw him return to Southampton where he was regularly involved in the club’s Under-21s.
Having returned to fitness, he returned to National League South with Worthing in February and, having missed out in the division’s play-off final, he was with the first-team squad at Wembley for the Championship play-off final when Saints beat Leeds United to return to the Premier League next season.
Speaking back in April when the gloveman signed a new deal, Southampton academy director Andy Goldie, said: “Ollie has had a great development year on loan. This contract not only rewards him for the progress he’s made this season, but also provides him with time to build on the success he’s enjoyed and maximise the opportunities and plan we have for him over the next two seasons.”
With Wright and Buse now on the books, the likelihood of another arrival between the posts seems unlikely with Joe Day, the regular number one as Yeovil romped to the National League South title last season, still yet to find a new club following his release by Newport County.
Welcome to Huish Park, Ollie!
📸 Gary Brown
So, pretty much as expected, Will Buse joins Jordan Maguire-Drew in being surplus to requirements.
Will be interesting to see Callum’s review of the new keeper. Won’t deny I was hoping we’d sign Joe Day or another experienced keeper on a permanent contract but if this loan turns out to be a good one then it’s hats off to MC’s rigorous recruitment.
1-2 more gaps to fill and the squad should be good to go…looking forward to it!