Darren Kelly: Oldham Athletic name Sunderland coach as boss

Darren Kelly is a former Northern Ireland Under-21 international

Oldham Athletic have appointed Sunderland coach Darren Kelly as their new manager from 1 June on a two-year deal, with Dean Holden his assistant.

Kelly, 35, will be in his first managerial role after gaining his Uefa Pro Licence.

The Northern Irishman was a defender at Derry City, Carlisle, Portadown and York.

Holden, also 35, had been in temporary charge of the first team after Lee Johnson moved to Barnsley in February.

"It think it is a great time to come in as I'll get to chat to the players before the off season," Kelly told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I'm a young, aspiring modern-day manager, if it's manager you want to call it as I'll be involved in every training session.

"I understand that I'll have to go out and prove [myself] to a lot of people.

"Is it a risk? Absolutely. From the supporters, the chairman and the board side of it, but do I think it is a risk? No, and I think I'll prove that."

Oldham finished 15th in League One, seven points above the relegation places, after a 1-1 draw against Peterborough in Sunday's final game.