Ex-Oxford United captain swaps football for school classroom

Wright spent just under seven years at Oxford, joining on a loan deal initially during the 2009/2010 season which saw the club promoted back to the Football League before signing permanently at the end of the season.

He was appointed club captain in 2011 and made a total of 278 appearances in Yellow, ending on a high as he skippered the U’s to a second-placed finish in League Two and promotion to League One in 2015/16.

After leaving by mutual consent, Wright then joined Sheffield United where he spent four years.

Our manager, Jake Wright, is currently in Thailand representing England in the Seniors World Cup. They started the competition with a 2-0 victory against the hosts today pic.twitter.com/zmh9M6fuPa

— Sherwood Colliery FC (@SCFC_08) June 1, 2026

The 40-year-old was appointed manager of non-league club Sherwood Collery back in May and was recently in Thailand playing for England in the Seniors World Cup.

After apparently not knowing what he wanted to do after ending his playing career, it seems the former U’s defender has now found his calling.

Wright is head of year eight at Newfield School in Sheffield and, talking to the BBC, detailed his experience already in schooling.

According to the BBC, the former Yellows skipper is not in a teaching role but rather a pastoral one, offering ‘support and guidance’ to pupils.

Former Oxford United captain Jake Wright (Image: Oxford Mail)

“You used to shout at players a lot back in the day but I think now some players can’t cope with that, they need an arm around them, a quiet word, and a bit of confidence.

“Some students do need a firm telling too if they’re doing something wrong and some just need five minutes of your time in your office.

“I get in at 07:30 but every day is different.

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“There are a lot of wins in it, you’re turning kids who aren’t attending school, getting them to attend and even enjoy lessons again.

“I didn’t do well at school. There was stuff I’d seen growing up and with a family that was probably similar to a lot of the kids here so I think I know what to look out for on a Monday morning.”

Wright played under ex-United boss Chris Wilder at both Oxford and the Blades.

“I don’t think he ever saw me doing it to be honest but then again it’s not something I thought I’d be going into either,” the former centre back revealed of his old manager.