Bermudian football coach Rick Wright has been named head coach and technical director of USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC.

Wright, who was born on island and featured for both the Bermuda and United States national teams during his playing career, takes the reins from John Harkes after serving as assistant coach since 2019.

The highly experienced 64-year-old has been involved with South Carolina football since 1976, helping launch Anderson University’s football programme before serving as head coach for four years.

“I’m excited to embark on this incredible opportunity as head coach and continue to work alongside my fellow colleagues, players, and staff,” said Wright, who spent ten years on the staff of the US Youth Olympic Development Programme

“The Greenville Triumph SC is committed to bringing joy to the Upstate through the game of soccer, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

Chris Lewis, president of the club, said Wright’s extensive experience and understanding of the culture of the Upstate football community made him the obvious choice for the job.

“We’re thrilled to name Rick the new head coach and technical director of our men’s team,” said Lewis. “Rick has been a successful head coach at multiple levels and his intimate knowledge of our Club, its mission and culture are incredibly valuable.

“Furthermore, Rick’s corporate leadership experience brings essential skills to the head coach & technical director position that are important to the Club as it enters the next chapter of its development.”

In addition to his assistant coaching position, Wright previously served as director of technical alliances and community development, where he was responsible for cultivating relationships with the local football community.

In the role, Wright worked collaboratively with the club’s front office on community and player-relations initiatives while collaborating on its youth football strategy and programming.

Since 2019, Wright has helped spearhead several of the Club’s youth initiatives including the Unified team, Academy Cup team, Pass it On clinics, and Future Leaders programmes.

“Rick has demonstrated a passion not only for our team’s success on the field, but also for carrying out our Club’s mission to positively impact our community,” said Joe Erwin, chairman and majority owner.

“He has a deep knowledge and understanding of the game, and we look forward to having him play an active role in the club’s continued growth.”