91Èȱ¬

Oldham Athletic have confirmed that caretaker boss Dean Holden will remain as manager until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old had been in temporary charge following Lee Johnson's exit to Barnsley on 25 February.

The Latics, who are 15th in League One and host MK Dons on Tuesday, have won one and lost three of their first four games under the ex-Walsall defender.

"I firmly believe we have the capabilities of reaching the play-off places this season," said Holden.

"With your [the fans'] support, which has been excellent all season, we feel we can reach our targets,"

Academy manager Tony Philliskirk and defender Adam Lockwood will assist Holden in the final 11 games of the campaign.

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes had been linked with the job, while Latics chairman Simon Corney revealed to 91Èȱ¬ Radio Manchester he had held discussions with former manager Iain Dowie.

Chief executive Neil Joy added: "The search for Oldham Athletic's next permanent manager will continue away from the spotlight and destabilising speculation that we have seen since Lee Johnson left the club.

"Given the importance of the role, especially at this point in the club's history, it is essential that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that the board of directors appoint the person whom we believe will give us the best chance of achieving our goal of bringing Championship football to the town.

"We have a strong nucleus of quality players already signed to the club for next season so we have every reason to be optimistic for the future."