Wright, Kilkenny savour Preston's Wembley win

Australia defender Bailey Wright tasted the anguish of relegation four years ago and there was no hiding his elation after Preston North End blitzed hapless Swindon Town 4-0 at Wembley to return to the Championship at the expense of countryman Massimo Luongo.

Preston North End

Preston North End celebrates after winning the League One play-off final against Swindon Town at Wembley Stadium (Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

It was the day when Wright and one-time Socceroos midfielder Neil Kilkenny joined forces to turn Luongo’s first appearance on English football’s biggest stage into one he will want to forget after a one-sided League One play-off final.
"People always say the best way to get promoted is to do it at Wembley and you have to experience it to believe it … the feeling you get winning in front of so many fans, my friends and family was absolutely brilliant," said Wright.

"We’ve pushed hard and I think we deserve to go up. I've been at the club six years and we have had some tough times an some good times ... to have a high like this is unbelievable because we're going back to where we belong.

"I was here when we to relegated (from the Championship in 2011) and I know how bad it feels."

Wright’s family flew all the way from Victoria to share the moment, with the centre-back adding: "The reason I do what I do is because of my family.

"To be able to show how much it means to me, and also to them, is one of the best feelings ever."

To have Kilkenny by his side added extra lustre, with Wright adding: "He's been here for a season and a bit now and we know each other really well and to share it with him is also special."

Amid the unbridled joy which erupted around Wembley for 30,000 travelling Preston fans at the end of a domineering performance highlighted by Jermaine Beckford’s treble,  Wright spared a thought for Swindon midfielder Luongo.

"We are very good mates (with the Socceroos) and good pros and we wished each other the best. Our paths will cross again whether it's with Australia or whether it's against each other next season.

"He’s a great lad and a great player but unfortunately for him it wasn't Swindon's day – it was ours.

"It’s never nice to see a fellow Aussie upset because of course he’s gutted - but I am sure he has a lot of big things ahead of him."

Kilkenny said the demolition of Swindon "proved a point" after Preston failed to win automatic promotion on the last day of the season.

"We were gutted by that and we needed to put in a big performance, which we did," he said.

"Winning today is up there with the big achievements on my career. I was in his position about six or seven years ago (with Leeds) and lost and it’s fantastic to come back and win this time.

"It was all about getting an early goal and we did that and we never looked back really."

Kilkenny is a near neighbour of Wright's in Lancashire and the pair have become firm friends.

"I get on great with him and he's been brilliant this season after coming back from injury."

Kilkenny, who hasn't featured for the Socceroos since 2011 and has yet to be contacted by coach Ange Postecoglou, hasn't given up hope of a recall.

"I hope to get call again at some stage but I haven't been in for a while and need to concentrate on my club career now," he said.
While Kilkenny waits in the wings, Wright was named in the squad for Australia's opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek on 17 June (AEST).


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4 min read
Published 25 May 2015 10:01am
Updated 25 May 2015 8:02pm
By David Lewis
Source: SBS

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