Oldham have this week appointed David Dunn as permanent manager, following signs of improvement in his four-match unbeaten term as interim boss.
Dunn’s first game in the full-time job comes at Boundary Park, where his new-look side welcome Scunthorpe United who sit level with Latics at the wrong end of the table.
Athletics chairman Simon Corney believes his club should not be dwelling near the foot of the table, however, and hailed Dunn as a “revelation” ahead of this weekend’s six-pointer.
“David came here as a player, but right away you could see the impact and influence he had in the dressing room,” said Corney.
“The lads look up to him and I have seen a great response from them since he’s been in charge. From day one I knew he’d be manager full-time.”
Corney has also assured fans that the new boss will have his backing in the transfer market, with the former Blackburn midfielder having already brought in a host of new faces.
Among the loanees, striker Michael Higdon has been a star performer in recent weeks, while Jay Fulton has pulled the strings in midfield and Burnley full-backs Daniel Lafferty and Cameron Dummigan are a breath of fresh air.
This renewed sense of optimism is key for Dunn, who has overseen four consecutive draws but believes it is only a matter of time before performances yield points.
“Gillingham [last weekend] was probably our best performance all season,” said the 35-year-old.
“A lot of people may see us as draw specialists, but anyone involved in football can see it has been a terrific start. It has been really solid and I have been happy with the performances we have put in.
“Although we haven’t got the three points, which even their manager said we deserved, I just feel the belief is so much more than what it has been previously. Hopefully we can put the smile on the supporters’ faces.”
Dunn will be forced into changes as Dummigan, Fulton and Simonas Stankevicius perform international U21 duties, while Scunthorpe welcome back Luke Williams but see Jamie Ness and possibly Murray Wallace miss out.
Image courtesy of Oldham Athletic via YouTube, with thanks.
