(Photo: The Sun)
By Alex Beard
Oldham Athletic have announced this afternoon that interim boss Richie Wellens has been appointed as the club’s new permanent manager.
The 37-year-old has been in charge of the Latics since John Sheridan was sacked last month, recording four wins and one draw in five games.
That run includes excellent victories over the likes of Peterborough and Blackburn, with his sole draw coming against high-flying Bradford last night.
He has now been given the permanent manager’s position, with the club stating that ‘a strong managerial candidate was already in place’ and that ‘nobody can dispute the outstanding job Wellens has done’.
In a statement on the club’s official website, chairman Simon Corney said: “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 for the club.
“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 Atheltic matters and he was unequivocal in his praise for Richie.”
Wellens added: “I’m very proud and delighted to be announced as the new manager of Oldham Athletic.
“I wanted the job and worked tirelessly to get it. 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.”
Candidates like Scholes himself, and former Milan boss Clarence Seedorf were reportedly in the running for the post, but Wellens’ terrific time in charge has earned him the position.
