John Sheridan – ex-Oldham

John Sheridan became the latest managerial casualty this week when he was released by Oldham after three years in charge. Despite being only one point off a play-off spot the Board of Directors felt the time had come to wield the axe amidst rumours of discontent in the dressing room, and were quick to appoint former manager Joe Royle as Sheridan’s replacement. 

‘Sheri’ had a long and distinguished playing career as player for Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday as well as the Republic of Ireland. He scored the winner for the Owls in the 1991 League Cup final with the only goal of the game against Manchester United. Givemefootball’s Lawrie Madden caught up with him as he came to terms with his departure from Boundary Park...

Q. Are you surprised that you let go from Oldham?
A. Not surprised because these things happen in football, but I am still not sure why. There had been a lot of rumours going around but I haven’t been told why. I can only try and surmise. But I have left the club on good terms and hope they do well.

Q. What sort of rumours?
A. Well one of the rumours was that I had lost the dressing room which I don’t believe. While results have not been the best in the last three games you could not say that the players were not playing for me or the club because they were.

Q. There was also talk of an incident at Belle Vue dog track on a night out with the players. Can you put the record straight?
A. Yes. A lot of stuff has been written and most of it has been inaccurate. A couple of players had too much to drink. There was an altercation which was stopped. Action was taken by me as manager and that was that. More has been made of it than it should have. There was an incident and it was dealt with.

Q. Newspaper reports suggested the players brawled and one, Lee Hughes, put you in a headlock.
A. Lee Hughes did have me in a headlock - but in a jovial way. Lee Hughes did nothing whatsoever.  There was no aggressive nature in Lee's actions. People have made things up. One or two of the players did have too much drink. Their behaviour was not right and I dealt with it on the night. I know for a fact that it was nothing to do with me losing my job. The results over probably the last ten games were not what we wanted. We were in a good position but we have let ourselves down.

Q.  How will you view your time at Oldham?
A. Fondly. I enjoyed the job and wanted to see it through and get promotion. I know that the budget is a lot less than many clubs and we have probably over-achieved. I have spent about £50,000 over the three years I have been in charge and have brought on some very good and talented young players so I am proud of what I achieved.

Q. What next for you now?
A. Well it’s strange not going into work but I want to get back into management sooner rather than later and hopefully people will look at what I achieved at Oldham and consider me if an opportunity comes up.

Q. The club acted quickly to replace you – what do you make of Joe Royle’s return?
A. That’s football. Joe has been at the club before and I am sure that was a consideration. I wish him all the best. Whether they appointed straightaway or left it a while is nothing to do with me. Hopefully the change will see the club do well.