Former Latics youth coach Danny Cadamarteri says he “fears for the academy and the club” after Paul Murray’s Boundary Park exit.

The fans’ favourite’s third spell at the club came to an abrupt end this week when he left his position as head of academy.

Cadamarteri worked with him as youth team manager until last September and was dismayed to hear Murray had left in what Latics said was “a footballing restructure following a meeting with the first team head coach (Keith Curle).”

The former Everton striker tweeted: “Biggest disaster in Oldham’s history this! A former player who knew the club and the fans inside out, that loved the club and took the academy above and beyond where it has ever been.”

In a second tweet, he said: “The academy has been clinging on for dear life with Muzza holding it all together.

“I fear for the academy and the club. There are some great people there that have been there for 10 years plus and an unbelievable fanbase. Sad times.”

The news was met with widespread dismay by fans with Latics issuing a statement that read: “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.”

Yesterday, the Oldham Athletic Supporters’ Foundation, formerly Trust Oldham said: “Paul Murray, needs no introduction to Latics fans.

“He has continued to produce success in terms of academy players feeding into the first team picture. The club statement says it has been done as part of a footballing restructure and we are curious to see if the new appointee can do any better.”

Fans’ group Push The Boundary had already hit out at the move.

“It’s clear that the continued chopping and changing hasn’t worked previously yet we continue down this path of uncertainty and a lack of transparency,” a statement to The Oldham Times read.