He burst onto the scene in 1999 in a Division One game at Port Vale, in which he helped turn around a 1-0 deficit to give City all three points. It took a few seasons before Wright-Phillips cemented a regular starting role, but after relegation from the Premier League in 2001, new manager Kevin Keegan employed him as a wing-back - in keeping with his attacking philosophy.
It would prove to be the campaign that was the making of Wright-Phillips as he established himself as one of the finest talents outside of the Premier League - but not for long as he collected a Division One winners medal.
Normally, the step up to England's top flight is one of the most difficult in world football, and especially at such a young age, but the former Nottingham Forest youth player proved to be a natural and was soon catching the eye of several top Premiership clubs.
Eventually, Wright-Phillips made his England debut in 2004, coming on as a substitute against Ukraine and scoring a late goal in a 3-0 win at St James' Park, Newcastle.
After breaking onto the international scene, he soon attracted interest from a host of top clubs, amongst them Manchester United and Arsenal. Many tipped the then 24-year-old to seal a move to the Gunners after stepfather Ian Wright's successful career at Highbury, but Wright-Phillips opted for a move to Chelsea in a £21m deal in 2005.
|Image courtesy of journallive.co.uk|
After a tough time in the capital, Wright-Phillips returned 'home' in 2008 after winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Carling Cup with the Stamford Bridge outfit. The arrival of Luiz Felipe Scolari saw the winger fall out of favour, and City boss Mark Hughes swooped with a deal rumoured to be £8.5m.
His second City debut saw him bag two goals as Sunderland were brushed aside 3-0 at the Stadium of Light, and he was looking like his old self once more. Wright-Phillips was reborn and given a new lease of life, playing on the right of a front four that included Robinho, Elano and Stephen Ireland.
However, since the arrival of Roberto Mancini in December 2009, he has fallen out of favour, despite his fine start to the 2009-10 campaign. A dip in form and confidence has done nothing to help improve the tricky winger's situation at the Etihad Stadium, and, regrettably, could find his way out of the club this summer, with Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic both keen on his signature.
It would be a shame to see Wright-Phillips leave his 'home' again, especially considering all he has done in his time with the club. He is a fans' favourite for a reason, and maybe Mancini will hold onto him if he is unable to secure his desired transfer targets this summer.
I am sure there will be a few tears in the eyes of City fans who were old enough to remember that nippy teenager flying down the right wing as City began their revolution a decade ago.
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