Dunn’s sights on new blood

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 18 September 2015


DAVID Dunn has made room in his squad for new blood as he plots victory at Doncaster tomorrow.

New players are expected to arrive at Athletic imminently following the departures on loan of Rhys Turner and Rhys Murphy.

Experienced free agent Leon Best, one of Dunn’s former team-mates at Blackburn, is an eye-catching name rumoured to be a target as the 35-year-old boss aims to make his team a more potent proposition.

Whatever the side he picks for the Keepmoat game tomorrow, Dunn emphasised that one of the keys is to get his players feeling good about themselves after a run of losses.

“I will be judged on results,” said Dunn. “It is right to put our own stamp on training, which we have done. Confidence plays a massive part in football and we need to get the players as confident as they can be. After two home defeats, it suffers. It is our job to get them enjoying it — that’s the biggest thing. If I can help them in any way to achieve that, I will do it.” It remains to be seen whether Dunn will name himself in the squad at Doncaster.

Dunn is keen that the players who have gone out get game-time while he tries to put his own stamp on the new job.

He said: “Rhys Turner needs some games. I spoke to him and he was in agreement with his dad and agent it would be best to go out and play. Rhys Murphy has gone to Crawley for three months. We are looking to rejig a few things and bring in a few people.”

Liam Kelly could be fit to return to the squad after a knee injury, but Jonathan Forte remains suspended.