Latics offer Joe the chance to stay

JOE ROYLE: Offered the chance to take the Latics job full time.

WHETHER Joe Royle stays on as Athletic manager next season will be decided in the next few days.

Royle, who accepted the role for nine games after John Sheridan was relieved of his duties last month, has been offered the post on a permanent basis.

But what money made available to strengthen the squad will ultimately determine whether he decides to sign on the dotted line.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We would like to have a chat with Joe this weekend. The job is there if he is happy with the budget available for players.

“We had an open mind as to the future when he arrived here, as did Joe, but the players seem to like him and obviously the fans do.

“Even if he is not here next season, hopefully he will still offer us advice.”

Royle is still searching for his first win in his second stint at Boundary Park. He has three games left this season, starting with Saturday’s trip to Brighton.

He had previously spent 12 years at the club, where he masterminded the division two title-winning campaign and three seasons in division one, which then became the newly-formed Premier League.

Athletic also reached the final of the Littlewoods Cup and two FA Cup semi-finals under Royle’s tutelage.

But if Royle does to decide to remain at Boundary Park, it won’t be with John Wardle by his side.

Wardle, who was the Manchester City chairman when Royle was manager, has turned down an invitation to join the Athletic board.

He has made a fortune as co-founder of the JD Sports retail chain and was a shirt sponsor during Athletic’s Premier League days.

Hardy said: “John is a good friend of the club and has been to watch us this season. He also called in for a chat over a cup of coffee with me, Simon Corney and Joe (Royle) recently.

“However, he does not want to get involved with any club at present. He has considered it but, with his other interests and after discussing things with his family, he feels it is not what he wants at this stage.”


THE Trust Oldham fans’ forum, scheduled to take place at Boundary Park tonight, has been cancelled.