The Latics parted company with Andy Ritchie last week and turned to Wadsworth, who left Southampton along with Stuart Gray last month.

Former Oldham, Manchester United and Leeds striker Ritchie refused the position of director of football when the club asked him to take a back-seat role.

Wadsworth is now responsible for the overall control of footballing matters at Boundary Park, with emphasis on first team affairs.

And 36-year-old Iain Dowie is being lined up to work as his assistant after Wadsworth revealed the former Northern Ireland striker has already been interviewed about joining the Latics.

Wadsworth said: 'This appointment offers a terrific opportunity and challenge. I am grateful to (chairman) Chris Moore for giving me the chance to be in charge of the footballing side of such a well-respected and established club.

'I have known and been a friend of the club for 15 years. It is my intention to work as a team to move the club forward and make us successful as soon as possible.'

Amazingly, Wadsworth has still to sign a contract but chief executive Alan Hardy does not envisage any problems.

'Mick hasn't signed a contract yet but he was so keen to get started for the weekend's game. He trusts us and we'll soon dot the i's and cross the t's,' said Hardy.

Wadsworth, relieved of his duties only last month at Southampton following the sacking of Stuart Gray, is keen to get someone working alongside him as soon as possible, with the much-travelled Dowie the firm favourite.