Tommy Wright
Wright was named in an undercover newspaper sting. Getty

KEY POINTS

  • The 50-year-old was caught on camera appearing to accept a bundle of £20 notes.
  • Daily Telegraph investigation alleged he helped place players at his club.

Barnsley have terminated the contract of assistant manager Tommy Wright with immediate effect following claims he accepted bribes to help place players at his club.

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As part of a Daily Telegraph investigation, Wright was filmed receiving an envelope containing £5,000, having allegedly told undercover reporters he could convince Barnsley to sign players part-owned by a (fake) Far East firm.

The Championship side initially suspended the 50-year-old on Wednesday (29 September) pending an internal investigation on into his conduct.

A statement from the club read: "Barnsley FC today terminated the contract of Assistant Head Coach Tommy Wright with immediate effect.

"A meeting between the club and Mr Wright was held this morning attended by club chief executive Linton Brown. After considering Mr Wright's response to allegations in today's Daily Telegraph about breaching FA rules over player transfers, Mr Wright was dismissed.

"The club was unaware of such matters or involved in any wrongdoing. The club will continue to fully investigate the issues at hand and will co-operate with the regulatory authorities as necessary."

In the video footage, Wright appeared to agree to help the fake Far East company, fronted by undercover journalists, telling them: "I can just recommend players to you that I've seen and you will have to do your spicy dealing, whatever you do."

As part of an ongoing investigation into corruption in football, a number of high profile figures have been named by the Telegraph.

Former England manager Sam Allardyce left his post on Tuesday after being accused of informing undercover journalists on how to bypass FA third-party player ownership rules and negotiating a £400,000 per year deal to represent the same company.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino and Queens Park Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are also alleged to have held meetings with undercover reporters.