Interim player-manager David Dunn is feeling the excitement ahead of his first game in management, and will be looking for a positive response from his players as they travel to Doncaster Rovers tomorrow.
The midfielder, who signed for Latics in the summer on a free transfer, has taken over from Darren Kelly and will be the latest of a series of Oldham managers to cut their teeth in management at the club.
Dunn has already been putting his stamp on the club ahead of Saturday’s trip to the South Yorkshire club, who are themselves managerless following former Boundary Park boss Paul Dickov’s dismissal.
“After the defeat last week, we have to become difficult to beat. One thing’s for sure for football: you have to stay in every game and I don’t think we should be going too gung-ho just yet,” Dunn told the club’s official website.
“[Training] has been positive. Certainly the players look like they’ve had a reaction to everything.”
Dunn has sent a trio of players out on loan since taking over last week, with the departure of Rhys Murphy in particular leaving him short of options up front as Jonathan Forte serves a three-match ban.
The new boss is also without Jake Cassidy and Liam Kelly, who both remain sidelined through injury, while Rovers could remain unchanged after picking up no fresh injuries during last week’s 2-0 defeat to Walsall.
“We’re looking to rejig a few things and bring a few people in,” said Dunn.
“I have had six or seven weeks to get to know the players on a playing level. If there are certain opportunities for players that aren’t playing, then why not let them go out and play some games.
“We’re actively looking to bring people in now, so I’ll be busy trying to sort that – it’s been pretty hectic trying to do that over the last few days so we’ll see what we can do.”
Dunn will now be eager to show what he can do from the dugout, but it remains to be seen whether the demands of management will limit his own playing time.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the club. At the minute it’s very difficult to judge with preparation and things, but I’m certainly not hanging my boots up!”
Image courtesy of Official OAFC via YouTube, with thanks.
