OLDHAM Athletic owner Abdallah Lemsagam is on the hunt for his 10th managerial appointment in just four years following the departure of Keith Curle.

The 58-year-old left the club by mutual consent today in the aftermath of a 2-1 defeat at his former club, Northampton Town - their 11th League Two loss in 18 games this season.

Curle, who succeeded Harry Kewell in March - initially until the end of the season before signing a new two-year contract in the summer - spent 261 days in charge of Latics, making him the joint longest serving head coach under the Lemsagam regime alongside Richie Wellens.

The club has been beset by injuries, while Curle has also been hampered by a transfer embargo which limited him to free agents and loan signings in the summer, after the club became one of three clubs to take out a loan agreement with the English Football League to offset the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But, while there were memorable moments - most notably last Saturday's comeback win over Port Vale after earning plaudits in two FA Cup encounters with Ipswich, it was a win percentage of just 22 this season which ultimately brought his departure from Boundary Park.

With Curle's assistant, Colin West, also leaving the club, Academy manager Selim Benachour has been put in temporary charge ahead of Saturday's derby at Salford City.

A club statement read: "Oldham Athletic can confirm that Keith Curle has left his role as Head Coach by mutual consent.

"We would like to thank Keith for his efforts during his time at Boundary Park and would also like to wish him well for the future. His assistant, Colin West, has also been relieved of his duties.

"Selim Benachour will step up from the Academy and take over as Interim Head Coach for the time being with no further comment now as the team continues its preparations for the game at the weekend."

The Oldham Times has been in contact with Curle, but he has been advised not to comment at this time.

A number of out of work managers have already linked with the vacancy, with former Exeter City and Bristol Rovers boss Paul Tisdale topping the betting last night.

Since Lee Johnson's appointment in 2013 - prior to the Lemsagam regime - the average job expectancy of an Oldham Athletic manager is just under 21.5 games, while none of the last 14 appointments have reached the 50-game mark. Curle's last was his 40th in charge of Latics.