EFL newcomers Barrow have appointed former Blackburn and Birmingham star David Dunn as their new manager, as reported by their official club Twitter account.
The 40-year-old has been in the role assistant head coach at Blackpool but leaves the Seasiders to replace Ian Evatt. Evatt, who guided Barrow back to the Football League after almost half a century, left to take over as Bolton boss last week.
Barrow lost their Football league status in 1972, agonisingly finishing third from bottom but not surviving the re-election vote, despite being eight points clear of bottom club Crewe. Their return was also an anomaly, with the season ending on PPG before they could claim the title. However, even on a PPG basis, they were worthy winners.
Chairman Paul Hornby is delighted to have captured Dunn, saying “As soon as we knew David was available and wanted the position we made him our number one target. He is an extremely talented coach and ticked all the boxes with the owners.”
“His football philosophy and style of play is completely suited to how we are set up and he also knows a number of our players, which met our requirements for a seamless transition. Over the coming weeks, David will be assembling his backroom management team and strengthening the squad – a task which is already well underway.”
Dunn has previously managed in the Football League, taking over at Oldhamduring the 2015-16 season, but he lasted only 20 games, before heading to Blackburn in a coaching capacity. Oldham fans have been amongst those expressing their opinion on Dunn’s appointment, as you’ll see below.
Made up for him. A true gent. Always enjoyed refereeing him and his teams even when he pulled on a shirt for Rimington! All the best David. You are going to a good club up there.
— kelvin john (@kelvinjohn82) July 9, 2020
Nice guy, I wonder if Dunny remembers me getting the last bit of Pie in Rovers media room and he was left with some vegetarian option lol. When he was U23s Coach.
— Christopher💙🤍⚽️🏳️🌈🌹 He/Him (@ChattyManChris) July 9, 2020
Get us 3rd bottom and I’ll be over the moon!
— Gareth Bridges (@gjb1971) July 9, 2020
Great sense of humour, awful manager (he was a few years ago anyway). Good luck, Dunny.
— Jordan (@Jordanator83) July 9, 2020
@David8Dunn good luck Dunny hope it's a better experience for you than Oldham was !!
— BROSTER71 (@broster71) July 9, 2020
Hope it works out good luck
— Andrew (@AndyC_88) July 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/JohnEarnshaw15/status/1281182228140249089
