FORMER Forest Green boss Jim Harvey has been appointed to the Oldham Athletic backroom staff.

The 57-year-old will work alongside new Oldham boss Darren Kelly and assistant Dean Holden.

He had been out of full-time football since leaving Stalybridge Celtic and was overlooked for the manager’s job at the newly-formed Hereford FC, who opted for Stroud-based Peter Beadle.

Harvey spent spent 11 successful years at Morecambe but was relieved of his duties after suffering a heart attack in 2005.

He was appointed Forest Green boss in September 2006 by former chairman Colin Gardner.

Harvey saved Rovers from relegation and guided them to their then highest-ever league finish of eighth the following season, as well as an FA Cup third round tie against Derby County for the first time in their history.

He was sensationally  sacked in the summer of 2009 for an alleged breach of contract – after applying for the vacant Cambridge United manager’s job without permission.

Harvey told Athletic’s website: "I will be doing anything that needs to be done. With Darren being young and just coming into the job and with Dean Holden also being young, I'll balance out the bit of inexperience.

"I've been in football for over 40 years and I have a lot of contacts and friends so I'm here to help and guide as much as I can. I'’m really looking forward to getting involved and I've been watching some DVDs from last season.

“I've been chatting with Darren and it's getting me tingling again, so I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Kelly said: “I hold Jim in the highest regard. For me, he is one of the best in the business. This is a massive signing for the football club because you've got to have the right staff behind you. I'm excited about working with him.”