Lee Duxbury was a happy man after committing his long-term future to Athletic.

Alongside assistant manager Tommy Wright, the ex-Latics captain formed a successful part of the club's backroom staff last season.

Wright has proved an able deputy to senior boss John Sheridan, while Duxbury led his all-conquering reserve side to a League and Cup double -- a feat also achieved by Sheridan the season before.

Duxbury made 283 senior appearances for Latics between 1997 and 2003 -- the vast majority as captain -- while Wright featured 140 times during two spells with the club.

Retaining both men was made a priority by the Boundary Park board, and the ink's now drying on a pair of three-year contracts. 

"There were a few things to sort out, but it's all done and we're both delighted to sign," Duxbury said.

"But there wasn't any champagne or anything -- it's no big fuss, really.

"Tommy did a great job alongside John last year, and it's great to have that structure in place again.

"In terms of my role, I'm still on a learning curve but the reserves did brilliantly last year.

"Hopefully the experience gained last time around will help us this season -- we'll just have to wait and see."