DINO Maamria said he and Oldham Athletic owner Abdallah Lemsagam had different visions in how to move the club forward after he was suddenly sacked by the club.

The Tunisian was quickly replaced by former Leeds United star Harry Kewell who became Lemsagam’s sixth permanent boss in his two-and-a-half years as Latics owner.

Maamria said he was touched and overwhelmed by messages of his support after his 32-game reign in charge at Boundary Park came to an end.

He said he had plans to make Latics more competitive next season having achieved his goal and keeping them in League Two, however he wasn’t to get that chance.

“After leaving Oldham Athletic I would like to place on the record my huge appreciation for the tremendous support I received from the Oldham fans, the staff and the players during my tenure,” Maamria said in a statement on social media.

“When I took over, the club was in a difficult situation with a squad of 32 players. The club’s objective was to stabilise them and keep them in the EFL. We achieved that with a 19-point gap to the bottom, then it was rebuilding in the summer to create a competitive team that reflects the town, and is one the fans can relate to.

“Unfortunately that was cut short due to our different visions in moving the club forward.”

He added: “I am touched and overwhelmed with the messages of support I received.

“I leave with my best wishes to the club and the fans who are the best and most loyal fans I have come across in football.”

A statement from the club released late on Friday night said: “Dino Maamria has today departed the club from his role as a head coach of Oldham Athletic, together with his team.

“We would like to place our appreciation on record to Dino for his hard work and dedication.

“We also wish Dino all the best for his future endeavours.”

Maamria replaced Laurent Banide last September and won nine of his 32 games as his side finished 19th in a League Two season shortened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Richie Wellens, Frankie Bunn, Paul Scholes, Banide and Maamria have now come and gone during Lemsagam’s time in charge with Pete Wild also having two caretaker spells in charge.