Rhodes couldn't wait to return to Athletic

New Athletic assistant manager Andy Rhodes has admitted it was a wrench to leave Sheffield Wednesday, but the draw back to Boundary Park was clearly too strong.

Rhodes (53) was appointed to his new role yesterday (Monday), joining former Athletic team-mate Frankie Bunn on the touchline for next season in League Two.

Rhodes had held the Head of Goalkeeping role at Hillsborough since 2010, so it wasn’t easy to leave the Owls.

“I had a really good job at a wonderful football club and I had a long and successful time there,” said Rhodes.

“The appeal was working with Frank and being here at Oldham Athletic, however.

“If it hadn’t have been Oldham I would have probably stayed still, but it was Oldham and that was that.”

The former Athletic goalkeeper brings with him a wealth of knowledge and contacts in the game after holding a number of coaching roles at various football clubs.

Following a 15-year playing career in which he made over 400 senior appearances – including alongside Bunn in the 1990 League Cup final defeat by Nottingham Forest at Wembley (above) - he returned to Athletic and worked as goalkeeping coach under Andy Ritchie before working with Joe Royle at Ipswich Town.

Rhodes also enjoyed a spell at Preston North End.

However, a return to Boundary Park was always on the cards once Bunn’s offer came through.

“It’s fantastic, a dream come true,” Rhodes said.

“It’s great to be back, I can’t keep away from the place, I love it.

“I was here as a player in the great days with some really good people and I was fortunate to come back with Andy Ritchie and Iain Dowie as goalkeeping coach.

“The next progression in your life is to go the managerial side and fortunately Frank asked me to do that and I couldn’t wait to get here.”

Meanwhile, Athletic have arranged a prestige home pre-season friendly match against Nottingham Forest.

Bunn’s team will take on the two-time European Cup winners on Saturday, July 21 at 3pm, as preparations continue for the start of the season.

Ticket details will be announced in due course.