Latics is where I want to be

Photo: PICTURE: DARREN ROBINSON.

New first-team coach Paul Murray is busy at Boundary Park, plotting for next season.

PAUL Murray had no doubts about his decision to commit to a coaching career under the wing of a man four years his junior.

Murray (36), who is halfway through completing his UEFA ‘A’ Licence qualification, has hung up his boots to put an end to a 19-year professional career.

After filling in as temporary reserve-team manager following his arrival as a player from Hartlepool, Murray impressed enough in that role to be handed an official position as first-team coach.

And it’s a job he can’t wait to get stuck into with the start of pre-season training early next month.

“This is a massive step in my coaching career,” said the Carlisle-born former midfield man, currently busy at Boundary Park preparing for the season.

“People probably don’t know what I am talking about when I talk about the gaffer (Johnson) being experienced at the age of 32. Let’s not forget he has had 15 or 16 years of learning beside his dad.

“That is what I have seen: I have learned plenty from Lee already, even though I have four years on him.

He has a lot of good contacts and he is a good fella as well. He was key to me staying.”

Macclesfield Town’s vacant managerial role was last month rumoured to be Murray’s destination, but he insists that even if a similar vacancy was to come up, he would remain at Athletic.

“I interviewed with Macclesfield last year,” Murray added. “But even if that came about again, doing what I am doing under the gaffer is absolutely fine with me and that’s why I took it. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”

An assistant manager is also expected to arrive at Boundary Park soon.


mattchambers@oldham-chronicle.co.uk