Kilmarnock appoint a new manager

Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock say that they are delighted to appoint a new manager in Tommy Wright, and fans are happy with it too.

The 57 year old, who comes in to replace Alex Dyer, left St Johnstone in May 2020 following seven years in charge, where he went on to win the Scottish Cup in 2014 and got into Europe twice.

He took over at McDiarmid Park in 2013 after earlier spells at Limavady United, Ballymena United and Lisburn Distillery, the latter of which he won an Irish League Cup with.

He’s 🔵
He’s ⚪️

Welcome to your new Killie manager, Tommy Wright

— Kilmarnock FC (@KilmarnockFC) February 8, 2021

CLUB STATEMENT:

Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Tommy Wright as the club’s new manager.

Tommy has signed a contract until the summer of 2023 to succeed Alex Dyer at the BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park and he will be in charge for Wednesday’s game with Motherwell.

Following a playing career which included international caps with Northern Ireland, Tommy achieved legendary status with St Johnstone by leading the Perth club to the 2014 Scottish Cup crown, the first major honour in their history.

During his seven seasons at McDiarmid Park, Tommy led the Saints to five top six finishes and four Europa League qualifying campaigns while also giving debuts to a number of youth academy graduates including Jason Kerr, Liam Gordon, Zander Clark and Alistair McCann.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be the new Kilmarnock manager. It’s a great opportunity for me” Wright said.

“I had nine years in total at St Johnstone and the time was right from me to leave there but it is the perfect time for me to come back to management.

“Kilmarnock has had good success in recent years and I’m looking to take it forward and moving us up the table.

“This is a really good football club with good people and I was really impressed when speaking to them, which made it an easy decision to take the job.”

“We are thrilled to announce Tommy as our new manager” Director Billy Bowie said.

“We received a number of excellent applications but we believe Tommy is the right candidate to lead us up the Premiership table in the season’s remaining games while sharing our vision for the club’s future.

“He is an outstanding manager with a strong track record in this league of improving players whilst remaining committed to blooding young talent through the ranks.

“I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming Tommy to Killie and wishing him every success in his time at Rugby Park.”

Tommy will be assisted by Paul Stephenson, who returns to Killie having been part of Lee Clark’s coaching staff, while Billy Thomson will remain as goalkeeping coach.

Andy Millen has departed the club having served as both assistant manager and previously Reserve Team manager. Everyone at the club would like to thank Andy for his efforts and we wish him all the best for the future.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Fans gave their reaction after seeing that Kilmarnock appoint a new manager…

@mark_thedrummer: St Johnstone fan here in peace – This is a great appt for you and he will get everything out of the players. He can be a bit tetchy with chairperson/d of f etc so you could be in for some fun that way but he’s a great manager and wish him success (except against us 😉)

@Jasonnclark: This is the highlight of the season so far

@stuartsnowden77: Double air punches – Tommy in, Millen out

@thefurlongpole: Paul Wright..Saints to Killie… Scottish Cup – Fraser Wright… Killie to Saints..Scottish Cup – Tommy Wright… Saints to Killie..??

@scottaangus: From a Saints fan, I’m chuffed for you. Cracking manager who will do wonders for you

@Scotsfiddler: excellent. Equally glad to see Millen go. Would like to see Fowler go to as I’m not convinced about Wright working under him. Needs a big clear out of egos from dressing room. hope we survive but if not he was best choice for championship too. Good luck Tommy, welcome to Killie.

@we_are_killie: Yass! And Millen is away! I can always trust a man who wears sand shoes with a suit!

@craigfleming98: I fucking love him already

@Spenks83: Welcome to Scotlands greatest club Tommy!

@itsbethanyslife: Take care of him please, great appointment for yous. Good luck for the rest of the season

@TwoSquirrels_: Welcome to Ayrshire’s finest institution, Tommy.

@BawsBurzt: Looking forward to games again! Ps. Thank goodness Millen is away too. Spring in the ol step…

@PainterSeumas: Solid choice for Killie

@StJFansVoice: Has a bizarre reputation among jealous rival fans, great appointment for Killie. Fans will love him and I defo see them staying up now

@pmk1967: He’ll be there a season before there’s a falling out between him and the Chairman

@Robbies22595639: Good to see Tommy Wright back in Scottish football, good luck after next Saturday 😂. Great appointment from killie good luck for the rest of the season guys 👍🏻

@RhabP: Well done Tommy, he’s one of the best managers, bigger clubs could probably have took a chance, no disrespect to killie

@_sl91: Not my first choice but a man who will get torn into the deadwood and no be the players pals. UP THE WRIGHT

@HeidtheBawFitba: I should be upset by this but Tommy is a real Legend and I wish him every success. Had hoped he would get a chance in England, but #killie are a great club. Glad we got @Spoony_10 tied up. He’s in the form of his life and Tommy loves him more than his wife

@graha1874: The obvious choice. Killie need a manager with Premiership experience and a proven record of getting the best out of players. Tommy Wright fits both necessities #ScottishFitbaw

@forever_killie: he’s fucking dynamite

@macdonald1872: Some appointment that! He’ll do well there!

@JohnBoyd86: Fantastic appointment by the club. Let’s get right behind him and the boys and start to climb the table #WeareKillie #Killie

@MrBenGrant: Looks like a safe pair hands, kind of guy you work with who you’d go to if you were stuck on a job and he’d know exactly what to do! Reliable sort, loads of experience, has the the respect of everyone in the office!

@bernieleslie: Delighted. 100% what we need right now

@scottfraser1972: Got plenty of time for tommy wright cracking manager but I’m no just ready to watch him set up 7 3 0 at ibrox on Saturday

@kelman2627: Glad he’s back in management.

@ConalGTracey: A big appointment for Killie. Knows the league like the back of his hand and will get them back on track to top six finishes again.

@AGMcKillop: Rangers will be in for a tough game on Saturday. Best team possible and zero room for complacency.

@IanCashy9: Delighted with this appointment

@KillieHistories: Kilmarnock have had some inspirational managers down the years. Wishing Tommy Wright all the very best at Scotland’s oldest professional club as he helps us back up the table

@kershbawz: A FUCKIN LOVE YOU MAN