The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Wright would be ‘perfect’ fit for Tangerines, says Hegarty
Dundee United legend Paul Hegarty has joined the calls for Tommy Wright to be handed the manager’s job, saying the Northern Irishman would be the ‘perfect appointment’ to replace Robbie Neilson.
Wright, who emerged as the bookies’ favourite, left St Johnstone in May after a successful seven-year spell and Hegarty hopes club chiefs will make their move for the 56 year-old.
Hegarty, who captained United during their most successful era, making more than 450 appearances, said: “Tommy did a magnificent job at St Johnstone over the last seven years.
“I don’t think he got the credit that he deserved, probably until he left. He won the Scottish Cup and kept St Johnstone in the Premiership for all those years.
“When you consider the resources at his disposal, Tommy did a fantastic job.
“Whether he wants to come back to Scottish football is difficult to say but I think it would be the perfect appointment. It just depends on what Tommy wants because he’s been touted for the Northern Ireland job.
“I believe the majority of fans would be delighted with Tommy but I would think Mark Ogren and Tony Asghar would have sounded out a few candidates. They’re their own men and I’m sure they’ll be very focused on what they want.
“It’s a great club. The chairman has put a good amount of money in and he deserves every success. I really like how they aren’t afraid to make decisions.”
Meanwhile, Hegarty questioned Neilson’s decision to return to Hearts after managing the Tannadice club to
the Scottish Championship title last season.
He added: “It came as a shock to everybody as he did well and got United promoted. Mark and Tony gave Robbie everything he wanted to get the club back to the top flight, especially Lawrence Shankland who scored 28 goals.
“The owners deserve huge praise for backing the manager and they would have been hoping that Robbie stayed. They’ve been very good and loyal to Robbie and done everything in their power to get United promoted.
“There’s been a mixed reaction from the fans to his departure. It seems to be split down the middle but the majority of fans, like myself, were delighted that he got us promoted.
“He did a good job at the club and while I’d have liked him to stay, that’s football and we move on. The club received compensation and although nobody wanted it to happen, it’s happened with bigger names in football.
“I’m old fashioned and I believe that if you sign a contract you should try and see it out, try to be loyal.
“People will say that doesn’t happen nowadays and hasn’t happened for a long time, but loyalty goes a long way. Robbie must feel there is unfinished business at Hearts and he wants to try to get some success there.
“I think the owners will be fairly disappointed because they’d have wanted Robbie to stay but there’s a fantastic structure at the club with an excellent youth system in place that everyone at the club should be proud about.”