Wright quits Saints but Irish job is looking unlikely

Bookies have slashed the odds on Tommy Wright becoming the new Northern Ireland manager – but he does not expect to land the job.

The Belfast-born 56-year-old quit his position as St Johnstone boss yesterday morning, ending a highly-successful spell in charge of the Perth club stretching back to the summer of 2013.

With the news coming out of the blue in the middle of a lockdown, it promoted a run of bets from punters convinced he had jumped to take charge of his country.

A 10/1 shot with Paddy Power overnight, his price was cut down to 8/15 on.

However, it is understood that while Wright would be keen on the post, he has told those close to him that he does not see himself as the favourite to replace Michael O’Neill.

Ian Baraclough, the former Motherwell manager who was O’Neill’s assistant prior to his departure, has been carrying out the duties and is highly thought of by the Irish FA.

Instead, a disaffection with his working situation at the Perth club was at the root of Wright’s decision.

“It was something that was being considered for a while,” said Wright, who in 2014 guided the Saints to winning the Scottish Cup for the first time.

“We made the decision that we’d see if, in the next couple of years, we could bring the age of the squad down, and then it might be time for me to move on.

“Fortunately, we’ve done that.

“I felt that when you’re at a club for such a length of time, sometimes there just comes a point when I needed a break.

“It’s a tough job. It is 365 days a year and it is 24 hours a day.

“But I have had a fantastic journey with the club, and I would like to personally thank Steve Brown, Stan Harris and Charlie Fraser for their continued support during my time as manager.

“I would also like to thank all the staff and players that have been on this journey during my time at the club.

“Finally, I want to take the opportunity to say that the support I have had from the fans has been incredible, and contributed immensely to my experience with the club.

“So, to the club, its staff, players and fans, I’ll always hold a very special place for you all and I look forward to coming back to McDiarmid Park.”

In the wake of Wright’s departure, Alex Cleland, who had been a coach with Saints, will act as caretaker manager.

A Saints spokesman said: “The board will now have the unenviable task of finding a replacement for Tommy once the Covid-19 situation, in respect of football, is clarified.”

Last night, a fans’ petition to have a McDiarmid Park stand named after Wright was gaining heavy support.