Shared beliefs paying dividends

THUMBS UP . . . from first-team coach Keith Brown for the managerial appointment of David Dunn.

Effervescent Athletic first-team coach Keith Brown is backing his boss to be a roaring success with the club.

The Edinburgh-born former defender has been a constant presence under Dunn’s regime, overseeing sessions noted for a new intensity. “Train as you play” is the mantra being drilled into the players.

With their respective coaching ideas aligned, Brown (35) is convinced Athletic made the correct decision in rubber-stamping Dunn’s ascension to the permanent managerial role yesterday.

“It’s a good appointment,” said Brown. “David has made it clear this is something he wanted to do at this stage of his career. He brings a wealth of experience. It’s a good opportunity for him and he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

After two years learning to coach at Hearts, Brown went on to serve under James Beattie, taking charge of Accrington’s youth system until late last year.

The Scot is engagingly direct in his methods: “I have high demands to raise the maximum potential of all the players. It is really important to push them to get the best from them — in every training session.

“Train as you play and you will get more results. I am big on that and I know the manager is too, along with Dean Holden. The intensity and tempo of training sessions is very important, as well as the tactical side of it.”

One player who seems to be a big beneficiary of the approach is Dominic Poleon. Out of the picture under Darren Kelly, the powerful forward scored twice in his last three games and appears to be at the top of his game.

“The manager coming in has given certain players a bit of belief and Dominic might possibly be one of those,” added Brown.

“Everyone is aware of how thorough David is. He puts demands on the players and Dominic is really relishing his opportunity in the starting 11. Long may that continue.”

Now there’s the small matter of getting Athletic on a winning path, starting with Saturday’s visit of Scunthorpe.

“If you look at the Gillingham performance, the team kept possession very well and stuck to the game plan, creating good chances,” Brown said. “The team seems to be working well, so hopefully we’ll get that first win soon.”