Wright's agents confirms plans to quit at Turf Moor

Despite suggestions from Burnley chairman Barry Kilby and his former Crystal Palace colleague Mark Bright that the former Arsenal and England striker might play on, Jerome Anderson says the 36-year-old WILL hang up his boots tonight on the Jerry Springer show.

"We can categorically confirm that Ian Wright has retired from professional football for family reasons as well as to pursue his television career," Anderson said.

Wright was due to make his first public appearance since the Springer controversy today -- and it was hoped he would confirm his future plans once and for all.

The striker was set to appear at Wembley at the Nike Park children's event with Liverpool defender Sammy Hyypia.

"There has been a lot of speculation about what will happen at this event, whether there will be an announcement or not, but as far as we know he is just coming with his family," said a spokesperson for Nike.

Nike have sponsored the 36-year-old's boots since he was with the Gunners and Wright, who faces an ankle operation on Monday, had agreed to turn out before all the speculation about his future hit the headlines.

Burnley fans will sit with bated breath tonight watching the Jerry Springer show, which starts at 10pm, where Wright reportedly announces his retirement from football.

But even if he does, his future could still be up in the air until he and Clarets manager Stan Ternent meet later on this month.

Kilby has reiterated that Wright is a Burnley player until the end of the June and that the Clarets won't think the link between Wright and Turf Moor is broken until after the manager and player meet.

Meanwhile, former Blackburn Rovers keeper Alan Fettis has been linked with a move to Turf Moor.

The 29-year-old is now at York City but has come to the fore after keeping eight clean sheets for Northern Ireland.

It's thought the Clarets may hunt for a goalkeeper during the summer as they prepare for the First Division as Paul Crichton is the only keeper at Turf Moor with first team experience.

THE Ian Wright saga took yet another twist today when his agent said the quit claims were true.

Despite suggestions from Burnley chairman Barry Kilby and his former Crystal Palace colleague Mark Bright that the former Arsenal and England striker might play on, Jerome Anderson says the 36-year-old WILL hang up his boots after tonight's Jerry Springer show.

"We can categorically confirm that Ian Wright has retired from professional football for family reasons as well as to pursue his television career," Anderson said.

Wright was due to make his first public appearance since the Springer controversy today -- and it was hoped he would confirm his future plans once and for all.

The striker was set to appear at Wembley at the Nike Park children's event with Liverpool defender Sammy Hyypia.

"There has been a lot of speculation about what will happen at this event, whether there will be an announcement or not, but as far as we know he is just coming with his family," said a spokesperson for Nike.

Nike have sponsored the 36-year-old's boots since he was with the Gunners and Wright, who faces an ankle operation on Monday, had agreed to turn out before all the speculation about his future hit the headlines.

Burnley fans will sit with bated breath tonight watching the Jerry Springer show, which starts at 10pm, where Wright reportedly announces his retirement from football.

But even if he does, his future could still be up in the air until he and Clarets manager Stan Ternent meet later on this month.

Kilby has reiterated that Wright is a Burnley player until the end of the June.

And he stressed that the Clarets won't think the link between Wright and Turf Moor is broken until after the manager and player meet.

Meanwhile, former Blackburn Rovers keeper Alan Fettis has been linked with a move to Turf Moor. drobson@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk

The 29-year-old is now at York City but has come to the fore after keeping eight clean sheets for Northern Ireland.

It's thought the Clarets may hunt for a goalkeeper during the summer as they prepare for the First Division as Paul Crichton is the only keeper at Turf Moor with first team experience.