Paul stays at Boundary Park
Latics have appointed Paul Murray as their new first-team coach.Murray (pictured with manager Lee Johnson) is retiring from playing at the age of 36 years to concentrate on his new role at Boundary Park.
He returned to Latics in January in a playing capacity following his release by Hartlepool United.
And towards the end of the season came a spell as temporary reserve-team manager.
Johnson said: "I have spent the last three months getting to know Paul and I like his work ethic and commitment to the club and to my team.
"I am delighted to have him on board. It is a great opportunity, as well as a big responsibility, to have a role like this at a club like Latics."
Murray, who concluded the deal today, said: "I am excited to be involved and look forward to working with the gaffer who has a great knowledge and enthusiasm for the game.
"I have been chatting about the job for some time and, now the deal is done, I cannot wait to get started and hopefully be part of something successful here."
Murray added he has great affinity for Latics having also played for them between 2001/04 when he made 105 first-team appearances.
"I am delighted to have him on board. It is a great opportunity, as well as a big responsibility, to have a role like this at a club like Latics."
Murray, who concluded the deal today, said: "I am excited to be involved and look forward to working with the gaffer who has a great knowledge and enthusiasm for the game.
"I have been chatting about the job for some time and, now the deal is done, I cannot wait to get started and hopefully be part of something successful here."
Murray added he has great affinity for Latics having also played for them between 2001/04 when he made 105 first-team appearances.
The appointment as first-team coach, however, draws an end to an illustrious career with Carlisle, QPR, Southampton, Portuguese side Beira Mar, Gretna, Shrewsbury Town and Hartlepool.
He said: "I am now officially retired and it is the end of 19 years as a player.
"I have had a good innings and this is the next step of my career and I am sure I will pick up a lot from the manager."
He said: "I am now officially retired and it is the end of 19 years as a player.
"I have had a good innings and this is the next step of my career and I am sure I will pick up a lot from the manager."
In his playing career, Murray played 532 first-team matches scoring 30 goals.