Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson has begun to shape his backroom staff by appointing Paul Murray as his new first-team coach.
Murray, who made 105 appearances for Latics between 2001 and 2004, returned to the club as a player in January after his release from Hartlepool United.
Despite failing to make an appearance, the 36-year-old did have a stint managing the reserve team, impressing Johnson.
“I have spent the last three months getting to know Paul and I like his work ethic and commitment to the club and to my team,” said the Oldham boss.
“I am delighted to have him on board. It is a great opportunity, as well as a big responsibility, to have a role like this is a club like Latics.”
Despite ending a playing career spanning 532 games that included spells at hometown club Carlisle United, Portuguese side Beira Mar and QPR, Murray is looking forward to his new role.
“I am now officially retired and it is the end of 19 years as a player,” he added.
“I have had a good innings and this is the next step of my career and I am sure I will pick up a lot from the manager.”
“I am excited to be involved and look forward to working with the gaffer who has a great knowledge and enthusiasm for the game.
“Now the deal is done, I cannot wait to get started and hopefully be part of something successful here.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alex Cisak has left Boundary Park despite rumours of a new deal, as the club decided not to exercise their 12-month option in his contract.
The 24-year-old signed from Accrington Stanley in 2011 and made 59 appearances but cut an increasingly frustrated figure after being loaned out to Portsmouth in November for just one game.
He becomes the third Australian keeper to leave after the departures of Dean Bouzanis, Cisak’s replacement, and youngster Liam Jacob.
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