By Staff
The coach of a rival English club has described Oldham Athletic’s decision to sack Harry Kewell as “crazy” and believes the Socceroos great had been “doing well”.
Kewell, who was appointed to the role last August, was sacked on Sunday after a run of one win in six games had left the Latics in 16th place in England’s fourth tier.
Harry Kewell lasted just seven months at Boundary Park.Credit: Getty
Bolton Wanderers coach Ian Evatt spoke to Kewell before a League Two clash between the clubs last week.
“I feel for Harry,” Evatt told the Manchester Evening News. “I spoke to him before the game, he said next season will be so much better because we’ll know who’s fit for purpose, who isn’t, who can we recruit and improve the squad and team, and he’s not had that chance. He had three players in the summer and I think he was doing well where they are.”
Kewell, Oldham’s seventh different coach since owner Abdallah Lemsagam took over three years ago, previously had spells in charge of Notts County and Crawley Town. The Latics have already announced former Manchester City defender Keith Curle as their new head coach.
“It seems a crazy, crazy decision, especially with the philosophies being probably opposite ends of the spectrum - Harry and Keith [Curle] are probably complete opposites in football terms, ” Evatt said.
“So if Harry’s recruited a squad to play a certain way and Keith wants to play a completely different way, what’s the benefit? Where are you going to go with it? I would have thought Harry deserved at least until the summer to see if they finished well, finished strong.”
Kewell, 42, said on Twitter he left the club with no regrets.
“I’m proud of my players and coaching staff, I honestly felt we were making good progress despite the inconsistency at times,” he posted. “I knew coming into this job that I wouldn’t have a budget to work with and that time wouldn’t be on my side but I leave without any regrets.”