Tommy Wright started his career at home town club Leicester City where he made twenty-four appearances. Mainly used as a substitute for the Foxes he made his breakthrough during the 2002/03 season where he scored two Championship goals including a winning strike against Nottingham Forest.

Wright spent two loan spells with Brentford the following season where he netted three times in twenty-five appearances for the Bees. His first goal for Brentford came against Hartlepool United. Wright then moved out on loan to Blackpool in August 2005. Once again his first goal for his new club was against Darlington's local rivals Hartlepool.

Following Wright's loan spell at the seaside Barnsley agreed a fee with Leicester for the services of the six foot forward and he signed permanently for them in early 2006. The Reds had to beat off some stiff competition to land the player. He made his bow for Barnsley against Chesterfield and became a regular for the Tykes during the second half of the 2005/06 campaign which won promotion in the play-off finals at the expense of Swansea City.

Barnsley's promotion to the Championship saw Wright figure more from the bench for the Oakwell based side during the 2006/07 season and in November he was sent out on loan to League Two side Walsall for a month where he scored twice in five starts. Wright left Walsall on Boxing Day 2006 who were top of the league. Quakers then swooped for the forward during the January transfer window completing a loan deal in time for him to make his debut against Bury. Wright scored an 87th minute equaliser to ensure Darlington went away from Gigg Lane with a point. Shortly afterwards he completed a permanent move to the club.