FORMER Colchester United player and coach David Wright has been appointed assistant first-team coach at League One side MK Dons.

Wright, 41, who made 52 appearances for the U's as a player between 2013 and 2015, has made the switch to Stadium MK after leaving his role as Norwich City under-23s boss

The former Maldon and Tiptree manager, who also had a short spell as coach alongside Kevin Keen at the JobServe Community Stadium, worked with Dons head coach Liam Manning and Chris Hogg at Ipswich Town.

Speaking to mkdons.com, Wright said: “I’m really looking forward to this opportunity to work with Liam and Chris at this fantastic Football Club.

“We’ve all known each other a long time from our days at Ipswich Town - we had a great relationship back then and we’ve kept in touch ever since.

“We all see the game the same way, and off the pitch our values match as well, so when the chance arose to reunite with them, and also for me to be able to work at this stadium for a club that is moving forwards, it was an easy decision.”

Wright began his football career with Crewe Alexandra, where he played more than 200 games.

The defender went on to make more than 500 appearances for the likes of the U's, Ipswich, Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace.

After retiring as a player, Wright spent time coaching with Colchester and Ipswich before being appointed Maldon and Tiptree boss in June 2015.

He took charge of 30 games, winning 11 and drawing five, before being appointed as Kevin Keen's assistant manager at the U's.

Wright went on to work as Norwich's under-18 coach for two years before his appointment as the Canaries’ Lead Under-23s Coach in January 2019.

Head Coach Liam Manning told mkdons.com: “I go back some time with David from our time together coaching at Ipswich Town.

“His values align with me and Chris. First and foremost, he’s trustworthy, open and honest but he’s also somebody who analyses the game and looks to improve those around him.

“As well as that he has terrific knowledge of the EFL from his experiences as a player, where he played in every division and enjoyed promotions. He is certainly a positive addition to the Football Club."