Royle has failed to win in eight games in his second spell at Oldham

Oldham Athletic have announced that manager Joe Royle will leave the club at the end of the season.

Royle, 60, took temporary charge at Boundary Park in March following the departure of John Sheridan.

The former Ipswich boss told the Oldham website: "I always said that I was only here until the end of the season.

"I retain a lot of affection for the club and the fans and that is why I was only too willing to help out over these past few weeks."

Royle began his managerial career with the Latics, spending 12 years at Oldham between 1982 and 1994.

In his 608 games in charge at Boundary Park, Royle guided Athletic to two FA Cup semi-finals, a League Cup final and the top flight for the first time in 68 years.

However, on his return to the League One club, the former Manchester City and Everton boss has failed to win in eight games and Saturday's trip to Walsall will be his final match in charge.

606: DEBATE If any other temporary manager had come in and not won in eight games, you would have to say he would have little or no chance of landing the job permanently Orpheo Keizerweed

"When Joe kindly agreed to help us out six weeks ago it was always with just the last nine games of the season in mind," said chief executive Alan Hardy.

"After openly discussing the situation with the owners and myself, Joe felt that the best option for the club to take was to look for a younger man to take the helm.

"Joe has agreed to continue to help but without the day-to-day involvement."

Royle added: "There is a committed board of directors here who are keen to move the club forward.

"I am sure with the right appointment success can be achieved."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version