Wright handed senior role at Warrenpoint

Wright recently left Shamrock Park to take over Town’s under 20s but is now confirmed as having increased responsibility at senior level.

Matthew Tipton, a former Portadown player, stepped into the first-team manager’s position with the Championship leaders after long-serving Barry Gray opted to hand over control to his coach.

“I know Chris from his time at Portadown and his full-time job working with the Irish Football Association’s schools’ coaching programme,” said Tipton. “I have followed his career and asked him to come on board with Warrenpoint’s under 20s with a view to bringing him into the senior set-up if ever the opportunity came around.

“That has happened sooner than expected and, in Chris and Stephen McDonnell, I have coaching support from two passionate and talented people.

“It is a credit to Chris how quickly he managed to knit together the under 20s, with maximum points from his four league games so far.

“However, he has more coaching experience than any of us given his years with senior youth teams compared to the bulk of my time in boys’ football.

“In his time working with the firsts you can see the players responding to his methods and I am delighted to have Chris with me moving forward.”

Wright, who started out with Linfield’s boys’ teams before spending six years at Shamrock Park, is relishing the opportunity.

“I want to thank Matthew for giving me his backing and I feel ready for the challenge,” said Wright. “Everyone has been superb in giving me a warm welcome since my arrival at Warrenpoint.

“It is fantastic to see some of the under 20s already making progress up to the firsts and there is real potential at the club.

“I am excited to be learning from someone with Matthew’s football knowledge and working alongside Stephen.”