Manager refuses to make excuses

Connor Brown: suspended

ATHLETIC manager David Dunn admits it hasn’t been a smooth ride lately, but says that the issue of late wages is now consigned to the past.

Players and staff were paid late this week, and Dunn hinted the new North Stand commitment has maybe had an effect on club cashflow.

But ahead of an important run of five games this month, he is keen not to make excuses: “It’s been a difficult situation, but we have to focus on the football side, and hopefully everyone is strong enough to do that,” Dunn said.

“I am sure everyone at the club is working as hard as they can to put everything right. I am sure the stand has had an effect on certain things.

“These are difficult times, but we roll up our sleeves and crack on. We can’t make it an excuse.”

Dunn relishes the prospect of taking Athletic beyond the Blades and into a tie against a top-level outfit.

“It would be great for me to pit my wits against a Premier League manager but more importantly, it would be great for the club,” he added. “The financial gain we could get from a big tie means a lot depends on it.

“Just looking at the last 10 games, we have won three and drawn four and lost three. It’s not disastrous.”

Connor Brown is suspended for the game against his old club tomorrow, while it appears Burnley full-back Cameron Dummigan may not be quite ready to resume his Athletic career just yet due to treatment for a minor injury.

Michael Higdon and Richie Wellens are ineligible and Jay Fulton is also likely to sit out the game.