Lee Johnson: Oldham squad praised after first win as manager

New Oldham boss Lee Johnson has thanked his players for responding to his appointment in a positive manner.

Johnson became the youngest manager in the Football League on Monday, replacing Paul Dickov at Boundary Park.

And his reign began in style as the Latics defeated Hartlepool 3-0 to move out of League One's relegation zone.

"It's early days but I feel they've bought into me straight away and that's a nice feeling," the 31-year-old told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I'm so proud of the lads. I really feel it for them. I'm not that bothered about myself, although it's a weight off the shoulders to get that first win straight away, but I've been really backed."

Goals from Robbie Simpson, Jean Yves Mvoto and Jose Baxter ended Oldham's three-match losing streak in League One and gave former Yeovil and Bristol City midfielder Johnson a first win as a manager.

"Of course you're a bit nervous going into your first job and doing your first team talks, because that's the sort of thing I haven't done," added Johnson, who takes his new side to Shrewsbury on Saturday.

"I'm just trying bring out the best in each player."

Oldham are one point and one place above the relegation zone and have at least one game in hand on all of the other teams in the bottom third of the division.