Peter Norbury has stepped down from his role as director of Oldham Athletic, almost two years after helping to secure the club's takeover.

The Rothwell family have paid tribute to the work that the experienced lawyer did at the time in bringing the club as a whole under one ownership, and what he has done since in helping to put Latics on a solid footing for the future.

Norbury was brought in by the Rothwells when they agreed, as a family, to buy the club, stadium and land, drawing on his previous experience with The Football Association and Wigan Warriors, where he was chairman from 1998 to 2000.

A club statement read: "Oldham Athletic would like to express its sincere gratitude to Director Peter Norbury for all of his work on behalf of the club as he steps down from the Board.

"Peter has played an instrumental role behind the scenes during the last two years and, as a club, we are enormously grateful for the significant impact he has had on so many key matters.

"A highly experienced and respected lawyer, Peter’s knowledge, expertise and diligence were invaluable to the Rothwell family prior to and during the process of completing the takeover of the club.

"His thoroughness, management of complex matters and commitment to the takeover were vital to the completion of the purchase and we will always be thankful to Peter’s work during this period in particular.

"Since then, Peter has continued to play a central role in significant developments at the club, including the transfer of the ownership of Boundary Park and surrounding land, retail business and changes in other key operational areas of the club.

"Peter has always been steadfast and loyal in all of his work as a director and he will remain a great friend to the football club and the Rothwell family.

"As Peter now steps down from the Board, he does so with the best wishes of everyone at Oldham Athletic and our wholehearted thanks for all of his work."

On behalf of the Rothwell family, directors Luke Rothwell and Su Schofield paid a personal tribute to Norbury's work.

“When we decided we wanted to get serious about buying the club, Dad suggested we needed a legal project manager," they said.

“We needed the best lawyer for what will be the biggest decision we will ever make. We knew that there would be extremely complicated legal issues between numerous parties. We needed someone experienced who understood the world is not without risk and decisions need to be made decisively, based on sound advice and opinion. Above all, we needed someone we can trust.

“Peter is all this and more. Trust is huge, he has been a neighbour and family friend since the late 1980s. We knew he was a highly-respected lawyer having been a partner at Eversheds, worked with The FA and been chairman at Wigan Warriors, to name a few.

“However, when you work with him, you understand why he has an incredible career. He quickly assesses situations, highlights the key risks and provides clarity with opinion. Most lawyers just highlight every risk, inject doubt and paralyse decision making.

“His work ethic is on par with Dad, and that is saying something. He always took on tasks that no one else fancied.

“We are disappointed that Peter has decided to step down from the Board, however, we are happy he will enjoy more time with Josie during her retirement. We are not sure Peter's superbrain will ever retire!

“Peter and his lovely wife Josie know they are always welcome in the boardroom.”