HARROGATE boss Simon Weaver admitted he was surprised but not shocked by Latics’ decision to dispense with the services of Harry Kewell.

Having beaten Kewell’s Oldham at Boundary Park on Boxing Day, Weaver is now hoping to complete the double with Keith Curle the man in charge.

And while Weaver felt Kewell was going to be given more time to revive Latics, the Town manager admits the managerial merry-go-round at Athletic means the Australian’s departure came as less of a shock.

Asked if he was surprised, he said: “Yes, because he hadn’t been there very long.

“It’s hard for any person in the job to settle down and assert themselves on the whole football club in just a few short months.

“It’s unfortunate for Harry but we know Oldham have had a bunch of managers and now it’s Keith Curle’s turn.”

No matter the manager, Oldham’s games have generally meant goals this season, the latest being Saturday’s 4-3 defeat at promotion-chasing Morecambe.

That is something Weaver is ready for, especially given Latics’ attacking abilities.

“The stats do present the case that we might get a few chances but equally we’ve got to really focus defensively as they are strong in front of goal, get goals from all areas and attack the ball well,” he told his club’s website.

“It’s something again we review, like the game the other day. We have to keep winning the ball at both ends of the pitch, keep covering each other and make sure we’re in sync with each other and communicating with each other.”

The EFL new boys head into the game one place and two points above Latics in 16th having secured their Football League status with a 2-1 win against Bradford on Saturday.

“It’s been a good weekend so being in the Football League for another season is beginning to sink in. It’s what we’ve been striving for,” Weaver said.

“I think any team that wants to go up at any level, you don’t want to just be saying ‘we’re aspiring for more’, which we are by the way. Especially this year without fans, it’s been about staying up.”