Dowie is optimistic about Oldham's future

Oldham have faced going out of business since former owner Chris Moore pulled out of the cash-strapped club.

Fans rallied to keep the Latics going during administration, now two American-based businessmen have stepped up their interest in buying the club.

Dowie said: "I hope it works out - the players and the fans deserve this club to survive."

Oldham's potential backers have paid in �200,000 to cover running costs for the next month and started a series of due diligence meetings.

The players continue to make me proud of them Iain Dowie

Dowie is keeping his fingers crossed for a successful conclusion.

He said: "The investors seem honest people, and I like the sound of them. I hope the clubs get out of trouble

"The players have been selling the club for ages. In my opinion there's never been anything wrong with the football side."

After reaching the play-offs last season, Oldham were forced to offload a number of key players over the summer.

Despite a vastly reduced wage-bill Dowie's side has recovered from a bad start to put together a 10-game unbeaten run, which has taken them into the play-off picture again.

"The players continue to make me proud of them," Dowie added.