A "FOOTBALLING restructure" is the reason behind Paul Murray's departure as Oldham Athletic's head of Academy, the club has said.

The Oldham Times yesterday reported that Murray had left the club after two years heading up the youth department.

And Latics have tonight put out a statement, which reads: "The club can now confirm that Paul Murray has left his role at Boundary Park as Head of Academy.

"The experienced former player and coach rejoined the club back in July 2019 to help lead the department and ultimately develop players in the Youth Team.

"Oldham Athletic would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Paul for his hard work, dedication and passion whilst in the position and would also like to wish him well in his future endeavours.

"This change has been made as part of a footballing restructure following a meeting with the First Team Head Coach."

Murray is a Latics legend, having been a fans’ favourite during his three years as a player at Boundary Park between 2001 and 2004, during which time he made more than 100 appearances and scored 15 goals.

He returned to the club at the end of his playing career and made the move into coaching, going on to manage Hartlepool United before holding various coaching roles at Barrow, Fleetwood Town and Carlisle United, before returning for a third spell with Latics in 2019, this time to head up the youth set-up.