Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has admitted that he was hoping to be named as the new manager of Oldham Athletic.
After John Sheridan was removed from his position at Boundary Park, Scholes - a boyhood Oldham fan - was interviewed for the job, only for the club's hierarchy to pick Richie Wellens after winning four of his five games in charge on a caretaker basis.
Scholes has acknowledged that the Latics' hierarchy could not ignore Wellens's impact, but revealed that he still held hope of having the opportunity to take the job in the future.
The 42-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I don't think it is any secret from my side. I wanted the job. It was something which interested me. I had a good chat with the chief executive Mark, the owner Simon, and I think talks went well. Obviously they probably interviewed a few people.
"It was a job which I wanted, one which I was interested in, but they couldn't ignore what Ric has done in the five games he has been in charge. He has won four.
"It might happen one day. I was hoping it would happen this time. I've done my coaching badges and why do your coaching badges if you don't want to go back into football. It's something in the future which I want to do."
Scholes has previously worked on the backroom staff at Old Trafford, where the former midfielder spent his entire playing career.