Wednesday 6 July 2016 22:02, UK
Motherwell and Northern Ireland assistant boss Stephen Robinson is set to be appointed the new manager of Oldham Athletic.
The Steelmen granted permission for Robinson to hold talks with League One Oldham late last week and discussions are ongoing.
The former Bournemouth and Luton midfielder joined Motherwell in February 2015 as assistant to then manager Ian Baraclough but retained his coaching role with Northern Ireland's senior squad, following several positions in charge of under-age teams for the Irish Football Association.
The 41-year-old continued at Fir Park after Mark McGhee replaced Baraclough in October last year and signed a new contract in April to carry on for the coming season.
Robinson is in line to replace John Sheridan, who left SportsDirect.com Park for Notts County in May, and will also be able to recruit his own assistant after Peter Shirtliff left the club.
Oldham have announced Shirtliff held talks with chairman Simon Corney and explained he would not be able to continue because of personal reasons.
In a statement on the Latics' official website, Shirtliff said: "I have had a fantastic time at Oldham and I am sad to be leaving. I hope people understand that this is not a football related decision but a consequence of a personal matter.
"I have the upmost respect for the club, fans and the board and will no doubt be a regular visitor next season and I certainly would not rule out a return at some point in the future."
Last week, Oldham added former Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest manager Sean O'Driscoll to the coaching staff and gave him a role in helping the board appoint a new manager.
Former Leeds United boss Steve Evans had rejected the managerial position at Oldham, with the club looking to Robinson instead.
