Keith Curle outlines what Oldham Athletic need to improve

The 57-year-old initially replaced Harry Kewell on short-term deal last month, and has ticked off one of his primary objectives in ensuring League football for Latics next season, making him the most likely candidate to lead the side next season.

But while talks are understood to be progressing well, with Curle expected to agree new terms before the end of the season, some of the finer details are yet to be ironed out, with the scope to make new signings a key area of concern.

"Every chairman, every owner in the division will want to pay the least amount of money but finish as high as possible. We understand that, but there is a risk in that as well," said the former Notts County, Carlisle and Northampton boss.

"It's identifying what we've got in the building, who we've got in the building, what needs to come into the building, and who brings those players into the building. That's vitally important before you even start talking about wages.

"It's about the infrastructure of the football club, and it's at a good stage because we're all on the same page, we have a good understanding, and the pleasing thing is it hasn't broken down over money yet.

"Every time we win I want more, every time we get beat he offers me less," Curle added with a wry smile, having just seen his side throw away the lead to lose 2-1 to rock-bottom Grimsby Town, who staved off relegation for at least another week.

Curle was braced for a fight and he was disappointed not to see that attitude mirrored among some of his players.

Oldham Athletic boss Keith Curle

"It was an air of complacency on our part with the players that went out. We started the game okay, got a foothold in the game, and then we started showboating and taking too many touches, not doing the right thing at the right time," he said.

"You try to stamp it out but you know it's in there, and that's why the football club wins a couple of games, loses a couple of games and it's 'acceptable', but it's not good enough.

"Whether it's me that comes in or whether a new manager comes in the mentality of the group has to change.

"We've got some good players who can score goals and win you games, but they're the same players that concede goals by doing the wrong things at the wrong time consistently.

"And if you can't change those players, change players."

He added: "We didn't do the basics right, we didn't play with urgency, we looked lightweight. I know they (Grimsby) are fighting for their lives, they're playing for their professional status and it's well worth fighting for.

"I didn't see hunger in our group. I understand it's the end of the season, they're mid-table, can't go up, can't go down, but for professional pride you put in a performance for yourself and I didn't see that from enough players."

Curle kept faith with the side that had registered a 3-0 win at Harrogate in midweek with the only change on the bench after George Blackwood complained of a tight thigh just a week after making his comeback from the bench against Morecambe, and scoring on Tuesday night.

"He felt his thigh muscle and said it was very similar to how it felt before the Southend and Carlisle game so as a precaution he made himself unavailable for selection," said the Latics boss.

"If someone says 'I can feel this, I can feel that' the medical department aren't going to force anyone to play."