Oldham boss Scholes happy to seek help from Manchester United

New Oldham boss Paul Scholes hopes to tap into former club Manchester United to give his first foray into management a boost.

The 44-year-old has taken the job with his hometown club and been given a one-and-a-half-year contract.

He believes the current squad is good enough to achieve what he wants but it will not stop him using contacts from his playing days at Old Trafford for the odd helping hand.

The Latics - currently 14th in Sky Bet League Two - have Zak Dearnley on loan from United's academy and the 20-year-old scored on his debut at the weekend.

Asked if he would be using his contacts, Scholes said: "I'll be trying to do that.

"Zak has come in and scored his first goal on Saturday. He made a big difference in the game so I was really pleased with him as a young player.

"You need contacts at this level all over the place, I have a few - not just Man United.

"I'm close to Nicky (Butt, United's head of academy) and the people at United, if they can help me I'm sure they will."

Scholes lives nearby and Oldham is his father's club, and that held great sway in persuading him to take his first leap into management.

"I just feel ready. There have been times in the past when it's been an option for me but it never felt right," he said.

"I wanted to come into this with my full coaching badges and I've got them now. I've watched them closely: I think they are a good team and have some good players.

"I know they are mid-table at the minute but with the squad we have it should be pushing for promotion. That might be out of reach this year but certainly next season.