Tommy Wright appointed as Kilmarnock's new manager

Kilmarnock have named Tommy Wright as their new manager.

The former St Johnstone boss replaces Alex Dyer, who left the club just over a week ago.

Wright, who won the Scottish Cup during his nine-year spell in Perth, takes over a side sitting tenth in the Premiership and with just one win in 2021.

The Northern Irishman has been linked with a number of jobs since leaving McDiarmid Park in May last year.

“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.”

Wright has named Paul Stephenson as his number two, while Billy Thomson will remain at the club as goalkeeping coach.

However, Kilmarnock said Andy Millen, a former player and coach at Rugby Park, had left the club.

Club director Billy Bowie said their had been a lot of interest in the vacancy.

“We are thrilled to announce Tommy as our new manager,” he 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.”