Wright appointed to Ballymena job

Tommy Wright's move to Ballymena has been well-documented

Ex-Limavady boss Tommy Wright has been officially appointed as the new Ballymena United manager.

Wright, who resigned as Limavady boss on Monday, has been given a two-year contract at the Showgrounds.

The former Northern Ireland goalkeeper has yet to decide on the composition of his backroom team but he does intend to bring in some new players.

"My budget has been cut from last season but I am happy to work within it," said Wright.

The ex-Limavady boss was immediately linked with the job after Kenny Shiels was sacked earlier this month.

There have already been suggestions that the new Ballymena boss is keen to sign Linfield trio Davy Larmour, Andy Hunter and Pat McShane along with Coleraine's Gary Haveron.

However, Linfield boss David Jeffrey is keen to hang on to his experienced trio.

"I've no intentions of breaking up the squad," Jeffrey told the News Letter. "In saying that, it is very much a players' market in terms of transfer fees and personal negotiations.

"I had planned talks next week with all players due to come out of contract, but Tommy Wright was up front with me about his intentions.

"He's a professional guy and I have no doubt will do a great job at Ballymena."