Former Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and Newcastle United man favourite to replace sacked ex-Everton star

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City and Leicester City midfielder Stephen Clemence is the odds-on favourite to be appointed as next Oldham manager, according to the bookmakers.

The National League club sacked former Everton player David Unsworth on Sunday following a seven-game winless run which left them bottom of the National League.

Unsworth had guided Oldham to 12th last season but just one win from nine games this term has led to the club dismissing him.

A club statement read: “Following 12 months in his position as first-team manager, Oldham Athletic can confirm it has parted company with David Unsworth.

“After a strong finish to the 2022/2023 season, a sizeable investment in the playing budget and some highly promising signings during the summer, the start of the current campaign has unfortunately not met the expectations of the club.

“Following the takeover of Oldham Athletic by the Rothwell family in July 2022, it has been one of their main principles to stay out of the day-to-day running of football activities within the business and provide stability for the long-term survival of the club.

“David signed for three seasons, to bring stability on the playing front, but despite the hard work and dedication of David and his coaching team, results have not worked out on the pitch.

“The board wishes David and his assistant, John Ebbrell, all the best for the future as they pursue their careers in club management. Unfortunately, on this occasion, it has not worked out as well as we all expected.

“The club can confirm that Steve Thompson will take interim charge of first-team matters while a recruitment process is conducted.”

That recruitment process is ongoing with Clemence currently 1/2 to be appointed. The 45-year-old had spells with Tottenham Birmingham and Leicester before retiring due to injury in 2010.

He moved into coaching after hanging up his boots, first joining Steve Bruce’s staff at Sunderland. He moved to Hull City as an Under-21s coach in 2012 before becoming a first-team coach at the club under Bruce. He was later named assistant coach in East Yorkshire.

He followed Bruce to Aston Villa in 2016 and in January 2019 moved to Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls announced Bruce’s appointment in January but Clemence acted as a first-team coach until Bruce officially arrived in South Yorkshire on February 1.

Agnew also followed Bruce to Newcastle United and then West Brom, with Bruce sacked by the Baggies 11 months ago.