JOE Royle is hopeful of being able to herald the “start of another revival” and return to Oldham Athletic in an official capacity, if the proposed takeover of the club goes through as planned.

It is 40 years to the day since Royle was appointed Latics boss and took the club on a 12-year journey that featured top flight football, becoming inaugural members of the then Premiership, as well as reaching the League Cup final at Wembley and an FA Cup semi-final in the same season.

Four decades on from his first day in charge, Royle is on the verge of going back to Boundary Park.

With his son, Darren, spearheading the proposed takeover by an as yet un-named local business, which would bring an end to the disastrous four-year Abdallah Lemsagam regime, it is expected that Royle senior would have some involvement with Oldham Athletic again, albeit behind the scenes.

“We’ll see about that. I’m 73 now so we’ll see. I would think I would have some involvement but certainly not on the playing side,” he said, speaking exclusively to The Oldham Times.

“I still love football, I still am very fortunate that I made a living out of football for a long time and loved every moment of it. And the 12 years at Latics were high up there as the greatest moments, there’s no doubt about it.

“It was hard to leave, but it was Everton so I had to take a chance.

“It was hard to leave, leaving friends. I’m still in touch with players and the likes of Rod Adams, David Brierley and Derek Taylor, who were directors at the time.

“It was just all round a great time.

“I can’t believe it’s 40 years ago, when I think back.

“I know people have been telling me about it and the coincidence of the takeover.”

Royle was the last manager to win promotion with Latics, going up to the old First Division as champions in 1991. The league transitioned a year later, resulting in Latics becoming founder members of the Premiership (now Premier League).

They suffered relegation in 1994. Few would have expected the club to spiral in the manner that it has, suffering the ignominy of being the first former Premier League club to bow out of the Football League last season.

Royle hopes that new ownership would bring an upturn in fortunes.

“My son has been involved in the potential takeover, it still hasn’t happened. He’s a good businessman, he’s a clever boy,” he said.

“Let’s hope it’s a good omen. If it’s 40 years let’s hope it’s the start of another revival, not just because I’m involved but sometimes things can click like that.”