Shez appoints his second in command

Last updated : 06 June 2006 By The Chairman
Tommy Wright had been appointed assistant manager to John Sheridan and will take over his new role with immediate effect. Sheridan had discussed other candidates with Simon Corney and it is believed that Neil Redfearn, Tony Philliskirk and Sheridan's brother Darren, had all come into the fray but 40 year old Wright was the favourite. He becomes another appointed from 'within' as he looked after Boundary Park's under 16's players.

Sheridan and Wright shared a house together as well as appearing together at Leeds United back in the Eighties. They have remained friends ever since. Wright was a popular playing figure at the Latics and had two spells at Boundary Park making 124 appearances and scoring 25 goals back in the 80's. He also played for Leicester, Middlesborough and Bradford City.

Sheridan said, "I always said that if I went into management I would take him with me. He has a terrific record at bringing young players through at this club and, like myself, is very excited about the future. I can trust Tommy completely and he will be a good man to have on my side. He has played at the highest level, knows the game inside out and is an excellent coach".

The appointment means that the club will be in a more financially viable position than if they had to bring a big name in from outside the club. Season tickets sales have soared since the sacking of Ronnie Moore and the appointment of Shez and all in all it appears to be an astute piece of judgement by the Athletic owners. Now it's a case of getting it together on the field and giving the fans something to shout about.