Latics line up new assistant

OLDHAM are finalising a deal for a new assistant manager who will be in place by the start of next month.

Manager Richie Wellens, who is preparing his side for the derby test at home to Rochdale this Saturday, has an experienced target in his sights as his number two as he looks to re-shape a coaching staff that at the moment includes Paul Terry, who is taking the reserves.

“Richie knows who he wants,” said Oldham’s chief executive Mark Moisley.

“It’s just a case of sorting out the details and we should be able to announce it before we face Southend [in December].”

Previous assistant manager Tommy Wright left the club at the same time as John Sheridan, back in late September.

Fitness guru John Harbin has remained and along with youth team boss Tony Philliskirk, goalkeeping coach Carlo Nash has been lending a hand to Wellens on match days within the dug-out.

Adding to that knowledge base with an experienced assistant should help the club in what could be a season-defining month of December. In addition to six League One games, the fixtures list also contains a Checkatrade Trophy knockout tie at Chesterfield or Bradford.

Meanwhile, club legend Gordon Lawton has been recognised for his sterling service by winning the ‘unsung hero’ gong at the NorthWest Football Awards.

Gordon, who passed away in the summer at the age of 63, received the award posthumously at the glitzy event at Emirates Old Trafford. He had worked at Oldham for over 30 years, fulfilling a variety of roles including lottery manager, programme editor and club commentator.