Bunn is up for the Athletic challenge

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It’s been a case of third time lucky for new Athletic boss Frankie Bunn, and now the former playing star is desperate to bring the good times back to Boundary Park.

An experienced coach at a number of high-profile clubs, locally-based Bunn now gets his chance in the hot seat at a Football League club, and he’s clearly delighted to have been given his first shot at a big job by Athletic owner Abdallah Lemsagam.

Bunn, who replaces the sacked Richie Wellens, has signed a one-year deal to take the reins at Boundary Park, as the club gears up for a first campaign back in the fourth tier for a number of decades.

It’s going to be a tough task for Bunn undoubtedly, following the traumatic relegation from League One on the final day of last season, but the ex-Athletic favourite is up for the challenge.

Bunn, who has been linked with the Athletic manager’s job a number of times previously, said: “I’m delighted to be back, at the third time of asking.

“I’ve come close a couple of times before, but I’m here now and I’m ready for this next step up.

“I’ve been desperate for a chance at management and I’m determined to take this one. I believe I’ve served my apprenticeship and now I’m ready.

“I’ve got some great memories of my playing days here, so hopefully we can bring some of those back for the fans now.

“I’ve always held a strong affinity to this club. I think a lot about it and think a lot of the people in the area.

“I’m looking forward now, not at what might have gone on in the past, and there does need to be a change of culture here, certainly in terms of players’ mentality.

“Absolutely I want to see the players show passion, hard work and enthusiasm, and hopefully the results will come after that.

“I just feel ready to give it a go – I’m certainly not here to be a failure.

“It’s a fresh start for everyone, a new opportunity for me, and I aim to grab that opportunity by the scruff of the neck.

“This club has been in the doldrums for too long, though I’m under no illusions that it won’t be an easy job.

“Hopefully we can all bring success back to Oldham. The fans certainly deserve it.”

Bunn only heard of the interest from Athletic on Monday, so it has been something of a whirlwind few days for the new manager.

He is still in discussions with potential candidates as far as an assistant is concerned.

An announcement should be made shortly on that.

Former Athletic hit-man Bunn, now aged 55, made 88 appearances and scored 35 goals for the club between 1987 and 1990, before his career was cut short through injury.

He famously scored six goals in a third round League Cup tie against Scarborough in October, 1989, a record which still stands to this day.

Following his playing career Bunn held a number of coaching roles at clubs such as Wigan Athletic, Coventry City, Manchester City, Rochdale and most recently Huddersfield Town.

At Coventry, he was appointed caretaker manager before returning to his first-team coach role at the club under Chris Coleman.

Throughout his time in coaching he has worked to develop young players and bring through the next generation of talent at clubs such as Manchester City - where he held the role of reserve manager - and Huddersfield - where he was a professional development coach working closely with their academy and under-18s.