Ian Wright was the guest on Desert Island Discs on 16 February.
Wrighty was a hugely talented footballer (501 League appearances, 239 goals; 33 appearances and 9 goals for England) who has overcome serious challenges. If you could listen through yesterday’s programme (now on BBC Sounds) and keep a dry eye, that would make you unusual. The programme was emotional and thought-provoking.
One incident that stood out provided a turning point in Wright’s career, taking him away from training as a builder and setting him on course to become an international footballer. He had turned down offers before, but now he had to decide to sign a professional contract with a football club or to buckle down to the safer bet of staying with the life he already knew.
Alone with his eight-month-old son, Wright drew his thoughts together and found himself explaining to his child what was in his mind and how he was going to make his decision. He emerged from that one-way conversation with a clear objective and a clear way forward.
A trained coach, with more experience than Ian’s son, might have made an even greater contribution to their session, but Ian, with his considered thinking and his openness, did everything you’d need to do to get the most from your coach.
The chances are you can’t hope to emulate Ian Wright’s skills on the football pitch, but you can copy his success in gathering your own ideas and identifying your goal.