Midfielder Jack Byrne admitted he owed the club loyalty following his permanent move from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the club and is keen to repay the manager’s faith.
He said: “I’m delighted to be back. I pushed for it as well and I’m grateful to the club for the opportunity to come back so hopefully we can have a good second half to the season.
“I had other options but I felt as if I owed Richie some loyalty as well because him and John Sheridan took me in the summer.
“I owe the club a bit of loyalty and hopefully some good performances in the second half of the season can pay that back.”
Byrne enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with the club earlier this season and believes he will become a better player at Oldham Athletic.
“I learned a lot about English football and I’m still learning,” he said. “I’m only 21 years of age and I’ve signed a two-and-a-half year deal so hopefully I can settle here and keep my head down, playing well and hopefully the club goes the way it wants to go.
“It’s an exciting time with the takeover and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
The former Manchester City youngster missed the last two games for Latics and is happy the deal is completed.
“I missed waking up on Saturday mornings without a game and it could have dragged on a couple of more weeks but I’m happy it’s sorted now,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out there and playing with the boys.”