Kelly handed Latics reins

The 35-year-old Northern Irishman, who represented Carlisle and York during a 20-year playing career, will officially take the reins at SportsDirect.com Park on June 1, bringing an end to his time as an academy coach at Sunderland.

Latics had been without a permanent manager since Lee Johnson left for Barnsley at the end of February, during which time Holden steered the club to a mid-table finish in Sky Bet League One.

"We are delighted to have in place a young, fresh and dynamic management team reflecting our ambitions on and off the field," chairman Simon Corney told www.oldhamathletic.co.uk.

"From the moment we first met with him, Darren impressed the board with his infectious enthusiasm, undoubted drive and energy, and a confidence in his ability to deliver success for our football club."

Kelly said: "I am delighted that the board of Oldham Athletic Football Club have seen fit to appoint me as the club's new manager.

"It is a role that I accept with immense pride and one which I am fully focused on and committed to.

"I am looking forward to building on the achievements of Oldham Athletic and driving the club to new levels of success."