Bailey Wright admits his frustration at his lack of gametime at Sunderland lay behind his deadline day move to Rotherham United. The Australia international defender has joined the Championship struggers on loan until the end of the season, and has spoken to the Millers official website about the reasons for his move.
Wright was a regular for the Black Cats last season as Sunderland won promotion from League One to the Championship via the play-offs. But this season the 30-year-old has started just six out of 28 league games and has more often found himself on the bench.
Wright is not the kind of player who is content to sit on the sidelines and that led him to seek a move away from Wearside this month, and Rotherham - who were promoted automatically from League One last season - came in for him within the last 24 hours. "I've not played as much football this season as I would have liked," said Wright.
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"I've had to be patient in my time at Sunderland, and when I have my moments to play I am one of those players who wants to be out there playing and competing for places as much as I can. I feel there's a real good chance for me here to be part of the group, push each other, and be part of something great.
"The January window provides opportunities for various different reasons. I've played a few games for Sunderland this season and I have loved every minute of my time there, but I'm one of those who is not happy when I'm not playing or a part of gamedays.
"My time there was getting a bit limited. It's a good squad [at Sunderland] that is having a good season.
"I was looking at opportunities and there have been a few there, and once I spoke to the gaffer here [Rotherham manager Matt Taylor] it was the right fit for me. I'm thankful to Sunderland but now I'm fully focused here for my time at Rotherham and I want it to be successful."
Of the move itself, Wright added: "I first found out about it last night. We had a chat and I spoke to the gaffer.
"There was the opportunity to come here and play football at a really good club and it excited me. I liked what I heard and I wanted to be part of it so, to get it done today, I am obviously delighted.
"I'm here to work and be part of the team and do what I can to really push us on and enjoy the season. I'm looking forward to it.
"I'm glad it's got done, it's the first time I have been part of a deadline day but it's been pretty relaxed and it's nice to be here."
Rotherham are currently fifth-bottom of the Championship, although they have a five-point cushion on the sides in the relegation zone. Nevertheless, the Millers' aim this season is to avoid a rapid return to the third tier.
Wright said: "The Championship is a tough division and when you look how tight that league is throughout. You say the aim is to stay up but a lot of teams are aiming to stay up. I look at it game-by-game and if we can win games then hopefully that will put us in a good situation."
Wright was part of the Australia squad that reached the round of 16 in the World Cup in Qatar last month where they were beaten by eventual tournament winners Argentina. There are a lot of achievements I am proud of such as getting promoted and going to the World Cup, which was like no other really from a personal perspective," said Wright.
"It's the pinnacle for any footballer to have represented Australia at a World Cup and to have made history by going further and doing better than any Australia team ever has. I'd like to think 30 years old is still fairly young and I have big ambitions still in my career.
"I feel this is a great fit for me to keep pushing on and creating more memories."
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