SOUTHPORT chairman Charlie Clapham has described new manager Alan Wright as a “tremendous appointment” for the club.
The 41-year-old enjoyed a lengthy playing career, which included spells at Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa.
Between 2003 and his retirement in 2011 he also played for Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Derby County, Leeds United, Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Nottingham Forest, Cheltenham Town and Fleetwood Town.
Wright moved into coaching in 2011, rejoining his first club Blackpool as a coach at their centre of excellence.
In February 2012 he joined Northwich Victoria as their assistant manager, a role he held until the end of the 2011/12 season when he took over as caretaker boss following the departure of Martin Foyle.
Wright left the Vics in November last year when Lee Ashcroft was appointed as their new boss and has now got his first real crack of the managerial whip with Conference Premier outfit Southport.
Speaking about his appointment, Sandgrounders chairman Charlie Clapham said: “Alan is a tremendous appointment for the club.
“Alan with his Premier League background at Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers is a competitor and winner, qualities he will bring into the dressing room.
“Alan as a UEFA A coach knows we have a number of potentially high quality players who require coaching and nurturing.
“Alan will have the scope to strengthen the squad and we can all look forward to being very competitive in the Football Conference.
“Alan will add his profile to the club on and off the pitch. I believe these are very exciting times for the club.”
For more on Wright’s appointment, including an interview with the man himself, make sure you pick up a copy of The Non-League Paper this Sunday!
