Wright to stay on

Tommy Wright: staying with Latics

TOMMY Wright is to stay on at Boundary Park for next season.

The deal will see the influential assistant manager (48) become a permanent member of Lee Johnson’s backroom team.

The Scot added a healthy dose of experience to the dug-out upon his return to Athletic in mid-February.

Wright’s influence on the younger players is said to have had a positive impact as the club climbed away from relegation danger.

First-team coach Paul Murray has also verbally agreed a new deal to stay on for a second full season in the job.

Fitness coach Lee Steele’s departure has left a new permanent role for goalkeeping coach Anthony White. The 23-year-old former Latics trainee has impressed Johnson in the role over the past three months, since the departure of Bobby Mimms and will also take on the fitness coaching role.

“He is a young, innovative coach who has impressed me massively,” said Johnson. “I believe he has the steel and quality to become a top coach in the game.”



Athletic have been linked with a potential move for experienced Port Vale midfielder Chris Lines.

They are said to be in a race with Bradford, Coventry and Gillingham to sign Lines, who is stalling over the offer of a new contract from the Vale Park outfit. Lines joined the Valiants from Sheffield Wednesday last summer.