Frank relishes his new challenge

DALE DOUBLE ACT... Frank Bunn (left) and Steve Eyre.

A LEGEND at Boundary Park, Frankie Bunn’s quest to write his name into Spotland folklore begins in earnest at Hillsborough tomorrow.

The former Athletic hero was appointed number two to Steve Eyre at Rochdale in June, and the duo finally get to put their plans into practice this weekend.

Eyre and Bunn succeed Keith Hill and David Flitcroft – the most successful management team in Dale’s history.

Big shoes to fill then, but Bunn is relishing the challenge.

“There’s no substitute for that first-team environment and it’s great to be back among it,” he said.

“The build-up to a new season is always an exciting time — you miss the cut and thrust of it all during the summer break and throughout pre-season.

“I had been working with the kids up at Newcastle and while that was an enjoyable experience, the chance to work with the first team was too good to turn down.

“I’d previously been at Coventry City and had a taste of it there, so when this opportunity came along it seemed ideal.

“The players have been very receptive to what we’ve asked them to do on the training ground and we’re all looking forward to putting it into practice.”

Sheffield Wednesday, among the favourites for promotion in League One, make it a tough opener for Eyre and Bunn.

But the new Dale assistant insisted the duo should not be judged on the outcome of tomorrow’s match.

“Ultimately, you want to be judged over the course of the entire season,” said Bunn.

“The opening game is not the be all and end all, but it would be great for us to get off to a good start.

“It won’t be easy because you would expect a club the size and stature of Sheffield Wednesday to be challenging at the top end of the table.

“We’ll go there with nothing to fear while they will be expected to win – it’s a game we’re all looking forward to.”

Eyre and Bunn will not be the only ones making their debut at Hillsborough.

Ex-Athletic defender Neal Trotman will partner another Oldham old boy, Marcus Holness, in the heart of defence while fellow new arrivals Ashley Grimes, Andrew Tutte, Stephen Darby and Jake Kean are set to make their Dale bow.

Dale’s biggest injury concern is another former Athletic player, striker Chris O’Grady, who suffered a heel injury in a pre-season friendly against Leeds.