Be brave!

David Dunn

IT’S been a “difficult” introduction to football management for David Dunn, but the Athletic boss remains confident that he will turn around his squad’s fortunes.

Former Birmingham, Blackburn and England star Dunn (35) took over from Darren Kelly in mid-September and in the 12 Sky Bet League One games since, Athletic have won twice — both on their travels — drawn six times and lost four.

A second straight home league defeat on Tuesday, 5-2 by Southend, dropped Athletic into the relegation zone, but Dunn will keep fighting while seemingly comparing his current situation with that of Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho.

Dunn said: “I want people to appreciate me and I want them to like me for the job we’re doing.

“At the minute that isn’t quite happening. What’s that down to?

“It’s certainly not down to the work we’re putting in at the training ground.

“There’s a million and one reasons why this situation could be happening, but we’ve got to be brave enough and have the courage to crack on.

“Through adversity, or whatever you want to call it, that’s when you stand up and be counted.

“That’s what I’ve done all my life and that’s what I’m doing now.

“The football side of the job is fine, it’s easy, it’s just the other stuff you’ve got to deal with that probably tests you.

DIFFICULT

“Did I think I’d have to deal with quite as much? I can’t say too much more, but it’s difficult.

“It’s not put me off though, not at all.

“When we turn it around it’ll be sweet, but at the minute I can totally understand everyone’s frustrations.

“Despite what may have gone on away from the football, over a period of time, I am the man that’s seen to be in charge and I’m getting the brunt of it.

“I’m a big lad, though, and I’ve got thick skin.

“There are miles bigger and better managers than me that have been through situations like this before and had to deal with it.

“The biggest and best manager in the country is feeling it right now – it happens.

“But these are the times when you ask questions of yourself and grow another skin.

“One thing I won’t do is go into training moping around. Once that kind of thing shows to the players, then we really are knackered.

“I’ll be a positive as I can be, and hopefully the players will react in a good way and respond to what we’re trying to achieve.”

A win at basement side Crewe would provide a perfect pick-me-up for any disgruntled Athletic fans.

A draw or victory would also maintain Athletic’s unbeaten away league record this season, and could lift the club away from immediate danger at the bottom.

Dunn admits the form of his team hasn’t been up to scratch.

He added: “Even since I came in the home form hasn’t been what it should be, and I have to take responsibility for that.

“I’ve got to try my best to improve that.

“I knew what I was getting into when I took the job.

“I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity to manage a League One club, and that’s great for a young lad like myself.

“I think once it does click, we’ll be fine.”