Tommy Wright turned down the chance to join Norwich City

Wright had looked certain to accept an offer from the Championship outfit but has had a last minute change of heart.

"This has not been an easy decision but after much soul searching I feel I have made the right decision," said Wright.

"The thought of what I have at Ballymena and not wanting to leave the job unfinished was a deciding factor."

"I am flattered by the offer and I gave it due consideration to the point that the Board at Ballymena, many of my friends and part of me thought that I was going.

"I came back to live in Northern Ireland for a reason and that was to be close to my family and that is also what I want to do.

"I am now fully focused on getting on with the job at Ballymena.

"We are fourth in the league but I believe we can go on to better things with the very talented squad of young players I have.

"I would love to win a trophy for the Chairman and the Board who have supported me so well," added the former Northern Ireland international goalkeeper.

Wright is believed to have been offered a two-and-a-half year contract by the Carrow Road club.

He has taken United on an 11-match unbeaten run which currently sees them challenging at the top end of the table.

Ballymena's teenage defender Johnny Flynn is expected to sign for Blackburn Rovers within the next few days.