Monday 25 September 2017 11:14, UK
Oldham manager John Sheridan has left League One's bottom club by mutual consent.
The Latics sit at the foot of the table after losing seven of their opening nine games, the latest defeat being a 5-1 hammering at Rotherham on Saturday.
The former Republic of Ireland, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder had returned to take charge of Oldham for a third time on January 13, a year to the day since he took the post for a second time.
Sheridan inherited a squad at the bottom of the third tier but was able to guide the club to safety with a game to spare.
"The Board of Directors would like to place on record their thanks to John for his contribution to the development of the club, not only during this tenure, but as both a player and manager previously," read an Oldham statement.
"His impact over the past two seasons in particular, when he has saved the club from near certain relegation on both occasions, will mean he is always guaranteed a warm welcome here by both the club and fans alike.
"This season, however, has not seen the progression we hoped with what was felt to be the nucleus of a good squad, and results, performances and league position have been hugely disappointing.
"Therefore following discussions with John, this decision has been made in the best interests of the club. We wish John well for the future."
The Latics also found themselves in the relegation places in January 2016 in Sheridan's second stint in charge after his first time in the hotseat, from summer 2006 to March 2009, ended in the sack.
He turned the club's fortunes around then to keep the club in League One for a 20th straight season.
However, at the end of the campaign, Sheridan opted to join Notts County on a three-year contract but lasted just over six months before being sacked for gross misconduct by Magpies owner Alan Hardy.
He had launched an expletive-laden rant at match officials during a 2-0 defeat for the Magpies to Wycombe on December 10 which resulted in a five-match ban.
Sheridan has also managed Chesterfield, Plymouth and Newport County.
