Football
PA Sport 6y

Oldham appoint caretaker boss Richie Wellens on a permanent basis

Oldham have confirmed the appointment of Richie Wellens as their new manager on a two-year contract.

The 37-year-old had overseen four wins and a draw from five games as caretaker manager after John Sheridan was sacked following a 5-1 defeat at Rotherham which left Oldham bottom of League One.

The club approached Paul Scholes and Clarence Seedorf regarding the vacancy, but Wellens has fought off the competition to land the role.

"I wanted the job and worked tirelessly to get it,'' Wellens told Oldham's official website. "I've done everything I possibly could but we are in a good place and I'm going to try and take the club forward now.

"I don't want the players to rest on any laurels now but they have got me the job. I've tried to do my very best in my preparation and work-rate, which has helped me get the job as well, but the players' performances have got me the job.

"I've come to this ground for so many years, probably 30 years or so. For too long, this club has been fighting at the wrong end of the table, so can we get up there and fight at the top end of the table?''

Chairman Simon Corney revealed that Oldham supporter Scholes recommended Wellens for the vacancy, and added: "What started out to be a very hard decision ended up being an easy one. Richie has shown great character and performed way beyond our expectations, bringing an upturn in fortune and results.

"Every player has approached me to express their hope and desire for Richie to continue as manager and that simply cannot be ignored.

"Perhaps most telling was my conversation with Paul Scholes a few weeks ago who told me that to look any further than Richie would be crazy. Paul is someone that I often turn to for advice regarding Oldham Athletic matters and he was unequivocal in his praise for Richie.''

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