Iain Dowie has spoken about his decision to leave Athletic and admits that he would not have left if last season’s play-off team had not been so cruelly ripped apart. Dowie said, “I’m sure I would be there today if we hadn’t lost so many players – that was an exciting young side. What happened in the summer was a tragedy for the club, but I sincerely hope they will emerge strong under the new owners. It’s for other people to judge my time there, but to be party to very good standards being put in place was the kind of legacy I wanted to leave. In terms of coaching and the players’ character, I hope things moved on significantly.”Dowie speaks about his decision to leave Oldham
Iain Dowie has spoken about his decision to leave Athletic and admits that he would not have left if last season’s play-off team had not been so cruelly ripped apart. Dowie said, “I’m sure I would be there today if we hadn’t lost so many players – that was an exciting young side. What happened in the summer was a tragedy for the club, but I sincerely hope they will emerge strong under the new owners. It’s for other people to judge my time there, but to be party to very good standards being put in place was the kind of legacy I wanted to leave. In terms of coaching and the players’ character, I hope things moved on significantly.”“My time at Oldham was among the best of my career, either as player or coach, and the people of the town were brilliant. There are low points in any job, but I have come away with only good memories – of the fans, of a great chance to cut my managerial teeth and of the players, who were an absolute revelation. It would have been nice to stay and drive them further forward, but hopefully that will happen under new management on and off the pitch. If it hadn’t been a club the size of Palace, I wouldn’t have gone. But this was an opportunity I had to take. My leaving Oldham might help them financially because it saves them giving me a three-year contract. To be fair, I’ve had good dealings with the new owners and there was nothing else they could do. I’m sure some people will be glad to see me go, and I’m sure others won’t. That’s football, but I’ll always be grateful to Oldham for a wonderful time in my career.”