Scholes wanted Latics job

PAUL Scholes has admitted he wanted the Oldham Athletic job.

The former United midfielder met with Latics officials to discuss the managerial vacancy, but in the end the 42-year-old opted to endorse the claims of new boss Richie Wellens.

Wellens, who came through the ranks as a player at Old Trafford, was appointed on a permanent basis on Wednesday after an eye-catching run of four wins and a draw while in interim control of the team following the departure of John Sheridan. Scholes said: “I wanted the job and I was interviewed for the job.

“I had a good chat with Mark (Moisley) the chief executive and Simon Corney the owner and I think the chat went well. Obviously, there were other people interviewed for the job but they could not ignore what Rick has done.”

Scholes, who would also have taken on a role similar to a director of football had he been given the nod to come on board, admitted he had been impressed by Wellens’ own claim. Oldham moved up the table from bottom to 19th following his taking over control. It was a run that impressed both Corney and prospective new majority shareholder Abdallah Lemsagam enough to hand Wellens a two-year contract.

“In five games they won the first four and drew the fifth against Bradford which was a really good result,” Scholes told BBC Radio Manchester. “He brought a really good style of football.

“I just hope he goes on to do well now.

“The people of Oldham deserve a little bit of success with the football club and, hopefully, Rick can provide that.”