Rookie boss Wright agrees dual coaching role

By David Watters

Maldon & Tiptree

Former Crewe Alexandra, Wigan Athletic, Ipswich Town and Colchester United midfielder David Wright is the new manager of Maldon & Tiptree.

The 35-year-old was unveiled on Thursday by the Ryman North's Jammers, just over a month after Kevin Watson was briefly installed as the successor to Alan Kimble before his early exit to become Teddy Sheringham's number two at Stevenage.

A UEFA A licence holder, Wright, pictured, will step into management for the first time at the Wallace Binder Ground but brings a wealth of experience after a playing career that saw him make almost 500 appearances in the Football League.

After kicking off his career at Alex, the Warrington-born player also turned out Norwich City and Gillingham on loan as well as Crystal Palace before starting out as a coach at Ipswich Town’s Academy in 2013.

Appointed as part of a new link-up between the Jammers and Colchester United, Wright will combine his role with working full-time at the U's academy with the League One club's U21s.

Maldon & Tiptree chairman Ed Garty welcomed Wright to the club in a statement announcing his appointment.

Garty said: “We are delighted to have someone with such experience at the helm for the coming season. David is someone who has an exceptional knowledge and understanding of the game and I am certain that he will be someone who our players will learn a great deal from.

"We are looking forward to working with him this season to take the club forward in the Ryman League.”

Wright is relishing his new dual coaching role and told the www.gazette-news.co.uk: "I’m very excited about the opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it. My full-time day to day role will be working with John McGreal at Colchester United.

“And I’ll also have a part-time role as manager of Maldon and Tiptree, although I’m not sure how part-time that will be with the responsibilities that I’ll have!"

He added: “It’s going to be a big learning curve for me but going down the coaching route has been something that’s been on my mind for many years."

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