Sammy Lee In The Mix For Oldham Vacancy

Sammy Lee has been installed as the surprise new favourite in the Next Oldham Manager Odds. The former Bolton boss has replaced Iain Dowie at the top of the betting order, with Phil Brown's odds drifting slightly. Meanwhile Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt now appear out of contention, with the duo emerging as shock candidates earlier in the week.

Lee is currently working as an assist to Bolton youth team manager Jimmy Phillips. The 53-year-old may have little managerial experience - he only lasted 11 games in charge of Bolton - but he has a wealth of coaching experience with England, Liverpool and the Trotters.

Former Oldham manager Dowie has reportedly been contacted by the club over the vacancy following the sacking of Paul Dickov last weekend. However, both parties have remained silent. Dowie led the club to the League One play-offs back in 2003 and has since managed the likes of Crystal Palace, Charlton, Coventry, QPR and Hull.

It is unlikely that the Latics will have filled the position before Saturday's match at home to MK Dons. They head into the game without a league win since early December, which is a torrid run of nine games, with eight ending in defeat. Meanwhile 8th placed MK Dons have dropped five points outside of the play-offs following back-to-back defeats. Nonetheless they travel to Boundary Park as the 6/5 favourites with Paddy Power, while Oldham can be backed at 12/5 to pick up their first win of the year.