 Installed as the club's chairman in 1987, Maxwell spent heavily to bolster the Rams' squad for their return to the First Division.Wright joined Derby four games into the new season and made his debut on 29 August 1987, a 1–0 home defeat in the league against Wimbledon.Wright was soon made club captain but, despite the new signings, the Rams found life at the top table of English football tough.