FORMER Colchester United winger Drey Wright has a new club after returning to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone.
Wright, who made nearly 150 league and cup appearances for the U's after progressing through their academy, has returned to McDiarmid Park after being released by Hibernian.
The 27-year-old previously made 36 league appearances for St Johnstone during a two-year period, between 2018 and 2020.
Wright told the St Johnstone website: “I am really happy to be back.
"It has been a long time coming, I was close to re-joining a couple of times. I am happy it is all sorted and I am looking forward to the next couple of years.
“Once I knew what my position was at Hibs the manager got in touch with me.
"I have known Callum Davidson for a number of years now, in previous windows when it has looked like I could be on the move, he was always in contact.
"It was quite a straightforward one to get sorted.
“I look back at my time here fondly, it was an enjoyable two years, but it was cut short with my injury and then COVID.
“I want to play regular football, I haven’t for a long time. I know a lot of the staff here so it should be easy enough to settle back in.”
Wright progressed through Colchester's academy and was handed his first-team debut for the club by John Ward at the age of 17, in 2012.
He made 148 appearances for the U's in all competitions, scoring nine goals.
The versatile attacker departed the JobServe Community Stadium in the summer of 2018.
He joined St Johnstone on a two-year deal, after turning down a new contract at the U's.
Wright has linked up with former Colchester goalkeeper Elliot Parish (pictured above), who is also plying his trade with St Johnstone.
Parish, 32, who made 28 appearances for the U's between 2015 and 2016, has signed a new contract with the Saints, tying him to the Scottish club until the summer of 2023.
He told the St Johnstone website: “I spoke with the manager numerous times and Paul Mathers; I’m looking forward to being part of a new dressing room next year.
“The decision to stay was down to both myself and the club. We had a tough year last year and we have to make sure next season is better."
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