Dunn fronts up as Latics eye vital victory

David Dunn: the under-fire Athletic boss wants to put his stamp on the squad.

DON’T offer me sympathy — just give me the tools to get Athletic out of the quagmire says Athletic boss David Dunn.

The under-fire manager plans to absorb the loss of Danny Philliskirk and Mark Yeates by bringing in fresh blood. Placed under intense scrutiny by speculation over his future, Dunn has fronted up and accepted that results have not been up to scratch.

But as he prepares for the home clash with Millwall tomorrow, the 36 year old said he will continue to fight as hard as he can to pull fortunes round.

“I don’t want to sell my best players but sometimes, something may have to give to allow us to do other things,” said Dunn about Philliskirk’s £75,000 move to rivals Blackpool.

“I knew what I was getting into when I took the job. I just hope I am given enough time to put my own stamp on things and bring in my own players this month.

“I don’t want any sympathy and don’t feel unfairly treated. I am pretty realistic about what I need to do and I’m going to come out fighting.

“I know one thing: when I do end up leaving this club — be it in a month’s time, six months’ time or 10 years’ time, it will be better. When I got the job, things were built on sand. I’ve got to accept responsibility for results since I have been in charge.

:Did I think I could do better? Of course. Should we have won more games? Of course. Have I got a few things wrong? Yes. But I’ve got a lot of things right as well. If I can get through this sticky patch and get a few things in place then I am really confident I can come out fighting. That’s the type of character I am.”

Dunn has tied up temporary loan deals for Burnley full-back pair Cameron Dummigan and Daniel Lafferty and both will stay with Athletic until January 30. He wants to add a goalkeeper and a centre back, and hopefully finalise a deal for a return for Richie Wellens.

“If we can bring them in, we won’t be a million miles off,” he said of the players he has identified.

Meanwhile, Crawley manager Mark Yates has conceded defeat over a deal to bring back Rhys Murphy.

“Do I see Rhys coming back here? No chance,” Yates said. “I think Rhys has got ambitions to be a League One player and above. We have spoken to Oldham, but I’m not sure there is a deal to be done at the moment.”