The Oldham Athletic managerial merry-go-round continues as the club moved swiftly to replace head coach Laurent Banide and his assistant Bouziane Benaraibi who were sacked on Thursday (Sept 19).
Within minutes of the announcement former Stevenage manager Dino Maamria was named as his replacement, the sixth appointment in the 20 months since Abdallah Lemsagam became owner.
Maamria, who is of Tunisian descent, has signed a deal until the end of the 2020-21 season.
The 48-year-old was in charge of fellow Sky Bet League Two side Stevenage FC from March 2018 until earlier this month. In his first full season, his side finished on 70 points, just missing out on the play-offs by one point
After a lengthy playing career in England at both league and non-league level, Maamria moved into coaching and then management.
The experienced UEFA pro licenced coach has also had spells as assistant manager at Preston North End and Newport County. He had also managed Northwich Victoria, Southport and Nuneaton.
Maamria told Oldham Athletic’s website: “I’m hugely excited to join such a historical football club. The vision and ambition of the chairman was a big factor and the first priority is to stabilise and unite this great football club.
“I’m here to win football matches as well as improve, give confidence and belief to an already talented squad.”
Maamria, who played league football for Doncaster Rovers and Stevenage, will take charge of Saturday’s home league game against Morecambe.
Latics’ brief statement about the departure of former Monaco head coach Banide, who won only one of nine league games since his arrival on July 1, read: “Oldham Athletic Football Club can announce that Laurent Banide and Bouziane Benaraibi have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
“The club would like to thank the head coach and his assistant for their efforts whilst at Boundary Park over the summer and wish them well for the future.
“An update on the new head coach will be made soon.”
Maamria becomes the sixth Latics’ manager/head coach the club has had since owner Mr Lemsagam took over the club in January 2018.
He succeeds Richie Wellens, Frank Bunn, Paul Scholes, Pete Wild and Banide.