Latics seek a Dunn deal

DAVID DUNN . . . in the directors’ box

DAVID Dunn is in talks with Athletic over a playing role at the club.

The 35-year-old Blackburn Rovers legend, a free agent after his release from Ewood Park, was a guest in the club’s directors box for the friendly with Bolton last night.

I understand Athletic’s hierarchy hopes to persuade midfield man Dunn to extend his playing career with Oldham next season, adding vital experience to the line-up.

Ironically, Dunn had been linked with a pay-as-you-play deal at Bolton last month and before that, a player-coach job at Accrington Stanley. He is also believed to have alternative offers on the table both at home and abroad, including in the Indian Super League.

Keen to take on a coaching role at some stage, Dunn holds a UEFA Pro License qualification. But after a frustrating time playing-wise last season, in which he made only 12 appearances for Championship outfit Blackburn, Athletic will hope the man with one full England cap can be persuaded to extend his career on the field.

“I still think I’m the best player,” Dunn said in an interview towards the end of last season. “Every competitor needs that opinion of themselves, and I still do. I love playing football. I want to play as long as I can.”

Manager Darren Kelly was asked about Dunn’s presence at the game last night in the post-match press conference and gave a diplomatic response.

“We are by no means the finished article and we want to bring in the right, key personnel,” he said.

Dunn knows Athletic’s assistant manager Dean Holden well, dating way back to their days as contemporaries breaking into the professional game.

The highly-regarded Dunn has 447 league and cup appearances across two spells at Blackburn and one stint with Birmingham, the club he was transferred to for £5.5million 12 years ago.

In theory, he could be the perfect mentor for Athletic’s budding talent, George Green. Ex-Everton whizz-kid Green showed flashes of talent last night in a 2-0 defeat by Bolton.

Trialist centre-back Gavin Gunning was again part of the back four and Kelly says that his fitness is not yet up to scratch.

“Gavin is a great lad and great to have about. You can see the leadership qualities he brings,” Kelly added. “He is not near match fitness yet, but he has blended in well.”

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_