BARRY Owen has stepped down from his advisory role at Oldham Athletic, with immediate effect.

Owen, who had previously served the club as director from 2004 to March last year, had returned to Boundary Park earlier this year in a voluntary capacity, sharing the responsibility of the day to day running of the club with general manager Steven Brown.

However, once takeover wheels were in motion - after club owner Abdallah Lemsagam and stadium landlords Brass Bank Ltd both agreed to sell to an as yet unnamed local business - Owen took the decision to step back from his role completely to facilitate a smooth transition.

“I have decided to end all the comment and speculation by announcing that I have relinquished the post as advisor and consultant at Oldham Athletic Football Club,” said Owen.

“Even though there is due diligence going on by the new people it’s not right to be around.

“I wasn’t under contract or on the board anyway so it was easy for me to just step back.

“This was my decision at a time when the club is operating normally until any potential takeover is completed after due diligence.

“There’s no hard feelings, they just need to get on with it now.

“It’s exciting times really. I think anybody who’s going to get a deal and it brings the football club together with the name and the badge and the assets it’s the way forward, because it will allow for a revenue stream to come from the facility.

“That’s what I always wanted.

“They must be allowed now to get on with the due diligence and do it.”

Owen added: “I would like to take the opportunity of thanking the many people who have assisted me since 2004.

“I would also like to thank Abdallah Lemsagam for his initial input and finance into the club during his reign.

“Administration was very close in those early days which is easily forgotten by many. That four-year tenure did not work out for many reasons. The rot of course had set in many years before.

“It’s exciting times really. I think anybody who’s going to get a deal and it brings the football club together with the name and the badge and the assets it’s the way forward, because it will allow for a revenue stream to come from the facility.

“That’s what I always wanted.

“There’s no hard feelings. They must be allowed now to get on with the due diligence and do it.

“To all our fans, I wish for your health and happiness and a continuation of watching the club with joy once again.”