WANDERERS’ managerial hunt took another significant twist after John Sheridan was revealed as a potential managerial target.

Odds on the former Whites midfielder taking the job tumbled significantly overnight on Sunday – prompting Oldham Athletic to rush out an official statement warning against an approach.

Their reaction appears to be premature, as The Bolton News understands Wanderers co-owners Ken Anderson and Dean Holdsworth are not in agreement on whether the former Republic of Ireland international is the man to take the club forward next season.

In what is rapidly becoming a complex task to appoint a new man to the helm, Anderson has drawn up a shortlist of possible candidates with the help of football consultants, such as Andy Townsend, whose non-paid role was made public last week. That list certainly included Chris Wilder, who has ruled out moving from Northampton Town, and may well include Sheridan – who recently helped Oldham escape relegation in League One.

Agreement between the two owners is not the only stumbling block. Sheridan has two years remaining on his contract at Boundary Park and while compensation would not be as significant as that mentioned for Southend United manager Phil Brown, it would remain problematic for a club yet to emerge from a total transfer embargo.

The embargo itself would not preclude bringing in a manager already in work, however, as his contract would not have to be registered with the Football League.

Oldham were sufficiently concerned to issue a statement yesterday warning off Wanderers and any other potential suitors for the 51-year-old.

“Following speculation surrounding Oldham Athletic manager John Sheridan, the club can confirm no approach for his services has been received and neither would any approach be welcomed.

“John signed a two-and-a-half year contract back in January and has masterminded our League One safety, which is a fantastic achievement considering the club’s league position at the time of his appointment.

“Planning is already well underway for next season and everyone at the club is looking forward to preparing for the 2016/17 campaign with John at the helm.

“The club will not be commenting further on this matter.”

Sheridan was part of Colin Todd’s First Division title-winning side in 1997 and moved into permanent management in 2006 with Oldham.

He won the Football League Trophy in his next job with Chesterfield before resigning in 2012 and then took Plymouth Argyle to the play-off semi-finals.

He left Home Park last year and managed bottom-of-the-league Newport County before returning to Oldham in January and helping the Latics secure survival in League One.

Meanwhile, the Football Association confirmed yesterday Niall Maher will miss three games for his red card against Cardiff City.

The defender was sent off for violent conduct and his suspension will now carry over into next season.