David John Ian Dunn (born 27 December 1979) is an English former professionalfootball player,manager andcoach.
Dunn played as anattacking midfielder and spent the majority of his playing career representingBlackburn Rovers. His first stint began as ayouth team player in 1997, and he signed professional terms a year later. During this time, Dunn helped the club to winpromotion out of theFirst Division in 2000–01, as well as lift theLeague Cup the following season. He also made his only appearance forEngland in 2002. He was sold toPremier League rivalsBirmingham City for£5.5 million a year later before returning to Blackburn in 2007 for a fee of £2.2 million; continuing as a crucial squad member.[3] He remained there until 2015, with them now aChampionship club, when he signed forOldham Athletic, his final club as a player before his retirement under a year later.
He wasplayer-manager at Oldham between September 2015 and January 2016 and then Blackburn's under-23s and first-team assistant coach. In 2020, he was a coach and brieflycaretaker manager atBlackpool, and had five months as manager ofBarrow.
David John Ian Dunn was born on 27 December 1979 inGreat Harwood, Lancashire.[4] Dunn joinedBlackburn Rovers as a schoolboy. After leavingSt Augustine's School, Billington, he was taken on theYouth Training Scheme upon joining the club, which is just down the road from the club's Brockhalltraining ground.[5] Dunn reflected on his school life, saying: "I wasn't very academic. I was bored in the classroom. It never really excited me and it was never something I really wanted to do. I went to a good school – St Augustine's in Billington. "I didn't wag school or anything like that."[6]
Growing up, Dunn wanted to be a footballer because of the influence from his grandfather, David, who was a footballer himself and was a Blackburn Rovers fan, along with his family.[7] Growing up, he idolisedSimon Garner.[8] In addition to playing football, Dunn also played cricket.[9]
Dunn joined Blackburn Rovers as a trainee at the beginning of 1997 and quickly impressed thereserve team.[10] His first goal for Blackburn Rovers' Reserves came on 3 February 1997.[11] Dunn then played in both legs of theFA Youth Cup semi–finals, asBlackburn Rovers Academy lost 4–3 onaggregate.[12] Nevertheless, he was part of the squad that saw Blackburn Rovers Youth win 3–0 againstEverton Youth in apenalty shoot-out following a 1–1 draw afterextra-time.[13] However, in the final of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup, they lost 3–1 againstManchester United Youth.[14] The following season, Dunn played in both legs of the FA Youth Cup, as they lost 5–3 on aggregate against Everton Youth.[15]
The start of the1998–99 season saw Dunn being called up to the first-team squad bymanagerRoy Hodgson.[16] He made his debut during a goalless draw withEverton on 26 September 1998. Dunn came off the bench after 70 minutes but was taken off after just 11 minutes on thepitch, due to thesending off ofMartin Dahlin.[17] After making his debut, he said: "I am not a nervous person so it doesn't really bother me. I am just glad to be playing. It's exciting and a brilliant experience. I was just happy to go on no matter how long it was for. It was a surprise to come off but it had to be done for the team. The gaffer explained to me why he did it afterwards and I agree with him."[18] In his second appearance, Blackburn beatNewcastle United atSt James' Park in theLeague Cup; Dunn scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out.[19] The end of the year saw Dunn being linked a move away from Blackburn Rovers, asPreston North End wanted to sign him onloan.[20] But it was announced on 12 December that he signed acontract with the club, keeping him until 2003.[21] His first goal came in a 3–1 victory againstAston Villa on 6 February.[22] Throughout the 1998–99 season, he had received a handful of first-team appearances for the club.[23] At the end of the 1998–99 season, Dunn made sixteen appearances and scored one goal in all competitions.[24]
Ahead of the1999–2000 season, it was expected[by whom?] that Dunn was to fight for his first-team place in the central midfield position.[25] He began the season when he appeared in a number of matches, either starting a match and coming on as asubstitute, without able to play the whole game for the side.[26] On 22 September, Dunn scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–1 win againstPortsmouth in the second round of the League Cup.[27] Dunn then spend the next two months playing for the reserve side, though he did return to the first-team once, coming againstLeeds United in the third round of the League Cup.[28] On 6 November, Dunn returned to the first-team, where he started a match and played 83 minutes before being substituted, in a 2–2 draw againstIpswich Town.[29] Dunn started in the next two matches before he returned to the reserve side for a month until on 28 December 1999 againstPortsmouth, starting the whole game, winning 2–1.[30] Dunn then regained his first-team place for the rest of the 1999–2000 season.[31] His lack of first-eam opportunities led him to atransfer request, only to be rejected by Blackburn Rovers.[32] He later withdrew the transfer request a month later.[33] Dunn then scored two goals in two matches between 18 March and 22 March againstFulham and Birmingham City.[34] Despite suffering injuries during the 1999–2000 season, Dunn made twenty–six appearances and scored three times in all competitions.[35]
At the start of the2000–01 season, Dunn became a first-team regular, establishing himself in the starting eleven and playing midfield.[36] On 26 August, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–2 win againstNorwich City.[37] This was followed up when Blackburn entertainedRochdale in the League Cup, where Dunn scored ahat-trick from thepenalty spot.[38] He then scored in the next two matches, againstNottingham Forest andWatford.[39] Two weeks later on 26 September, Dunn scored his seventh goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Portsmouth.[40] He reached double figures in terms of goals in 2000 after scoring five more goals, including a brace againstCrystal Palace on 22 December.[41] Along the way, Dunn was suspended on three occasions.[42] After his performances attracted interests from top division clubs, Blackburn Rovers began open talks with him over a new contract.[43] It was announced on 14 February that he signed a four-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2005.[44] During the same month, Dunn added three more goals in February, including scoring against Bolton Wanderers in two separate matches.[45] His performances throughout February earned him the Young Player of the Month award.[46] He then scored three goals throughout April and then helped Blackburn achievepromotion back to thePremier League for the first time since 1999.[47] At the end of the 2000–01 season, Dunn made fifty–two appearances and scored eighteen times in all competitions (although he stated in his column on Lancashire Telegraph that he aimed to score twenty goals).[48] For his performance, Dunn was namedPFA Team of the Year.[49]
Ahead of the2001–02 season, Dunn was linked a move away from Blackburn Rovers, but the club's chairmanJohn Williams refused to sell him.[50] He started in the opening game of the season againstDerby County but was substituted athalf-time following a challenge, as Blackburn Rovers lost 2–1.[51] Having previously sustained a knee while on international duty, Dunn was sidelined for six weeks.[52] On 30 September, he returned to the starting line–up and played 81 minutes before being substituted, in a 2–1 loss against Aston Villa.[53] Dunn starred in Rovers' return to the Premier League, putting in a string of impressive performances, notably in their 7–1 win overWest Ham United and a 3–3 draw atArsenal, where he scored two goals, one a last minuteequaliser.[54] Following these two matches, local newspaperThe Lancashire Telegraph praised Dunn's performance.[55] He later reflected on his performance on his column forthe Lancashire Telegraph.[56] Since returning from injury, Dunn continued his good form in the season and regained his place in the midfield position.[57] He then scored two goals in two matches between 15 December and 22 December against Newcastle United andCharlton Athletic.[58] Dunn was sidelined with acalf injury during a 2–1 loss againstManchester United on 19 January.[59] After being sidelined for three weeks, he returned to the starting line–up and played the whole game, as Blackburn Rovers lost 2–0 against Fulham on 9 February.[60] Dunn then started in theLeague Cup final againstTottenham Hotspur, as he helped the side win 2–1 to win the trophy at theMillennium Stadium.[61] Dunn scored his sixth goal of the season, in a 3–0 win against Aston Villa on 5 March.[62] A week later, however, he suffered a rib injury and was substituted in the 34th minute, as Blackburn Rovers lost 3–1 againstLeeds United.[63] Dunn did not return to the first-team until on 1 April againstSouthampton and played 53 minutes before being substituted, as they won 2–0.[64] Following his return, he started in the last six league matches, including scoring his seventh goal of the season, in a 3–1 win againstMiddlesbrough on 20 April.[65] At the end of the 2001–02 season, Dunn made thirty–four appearances and scored seven times in all competitions.[66]
Ahead of the2002–03 season, Dunn, once again, was linked a move away from Blackburn Rovers, as Premier League clubs continued to declare their interests in signing him.[67] He started the season well, scoring two goals in two separate weeks against Liverpool andChelsea.[68] Both of these matches saw him earn praises fromThe Lancashire Telegraph.[69] Since the start of the 2002–03 season, Dunn continued to regain his first-team place in the midfield position and was in good form.[70] He then made hisUEFA Cup debut againstCSKA Sofia and played in both legs, as Blackburn Rovers went through away goal following a 4–4 draw on aggregate.[71] After suffering ahamstring injury during a 2–1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur on 6 October, Dunn returned to the starting line–up and scored twice for the side, in a 5–2 win against Newcastle United on 19 October.[72] However, loss of form combined with his injury concerns did not help his cause and he fell out with then-Blackburn managerGraeme Souness.[73] It was speculated the previous January that the pair fell out.[74] Although Dunn was hurt over the situation leading up to his departure, he later said he did not have a grudge against Souness.[75] Dunn then scored two goals in two matches between 22 February and 1 March against Chelsea andManchester City.[76] Despite suffering injuries along the way, he continued to regain his first-team place and then added two more goals later in the2003–04 season.[77] At the end of the season, Dunn made thirty–five appearances and scored eight times in all competitions.[78]
Subsequently, Dunn was ready to move on to another club in the summer.[79] He even turned down a contract extension from Blackburn Rovers, further doubting his stay at the club.[80] Blackburn initially rejected offers from a number of clubs, butBirmingham City's revised bid of£5.5 million was accepted, and Dunn moved to the West Midlands in time for the start of the 2003–04 season.[81][82][83] Dunn later said that he regretted leaving Blackburn Rovers for Birmingham City.[84] During his time in his first spell at Blackburn Rovers, Dunn was at one time dubbed"the New Gazza", a testament to his flair and technical ability.[85]
After signing a four-year contract, Dunn impressively made an impact in the club'sfriendly matches, scoring three times before suffering a muscle injury againstWalsall, which he recovered from.[86] Dunn'sBirmingham City career started brightly with a debut goal in a 1–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on 16 August 2003.[87] After the match, ManagerSteve Bruce praised his performance, saying: "David Dunn proved he had some real, real quality with the spotlight on him and such a big crowd. He's rushed to get the ball (for the penalty). He's got something about him and he's a special player."[88] Two weeks later on 30 August, Dunn scored his second goal of the season, in a 1–0 win against Newcastle United.[89] During a 0–0 draw againstlocal rivals, Aston Villa on 19 October, he attempted to do theRabonapass, only for it to backfire.[90] Dunn later spoke about his embarrassing incident on numerous occasions.[91][92][93][9] Since the start of the2003–04 season, he started in every match until a niggling hamstring sustained in February meant that Dunn spent much of the second half of his first season on the side-line.[94] At the end of the 2003–04 season, Dunn made twenty–two appearances and scored two times in all competitions.[95]
The beginning of his second season saw Dunn continuing to recover from his injury.[96] It was not until on 18 September 2004 when he returned to the first-team, coming on as a 61st-minute substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Charlton Athletic.[97] Dunn quickly re-established himself in the heart of the Birmingham midfield and chipped in some vital goals despite suffering from injury along the way.[98][99] However, a recurrence of Dunn's hamstring problems in November limited him to just a handful of performances for the remainder of the season, and kept him out of the side until midway through the following season.[100] At one point, he thought about retiring from football because of the injury.[101] At the end of the2004-05 season, Dunn made twenty–eight appearances and scored two times in all competitions.[102]
The2005–06 season saw Dunn continuing rehabilitating from his hamstring injury.[103] It was not until on 16 October when he returned to the first-team, coming on as a 67th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against rivals Aston Villa.[104] However, Dunn's return was short–lived when he suffered a calf injury while training and was sidelined for a month.[105] Ultimately, Birmingham wererelegated from the Premier League, with Dunn still not returning to fitness.[106] Amidst injuries, he went on to score three goals during the season, coming againstPortsmouth,Reading and Wigan Athletic.[107] At the end of the 2005–06 season, Dunn made nineteen appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.[108]
Ahead of the2006–07 season, Dunn returned to training and spent the whole pre-season regaining his fitness.[109] He made his first appearance of the season, starting the whole game, in a 2–1 win againstColchester United in the opening game of the season.[110] Since the start of the 2006–07 season, Dunn quickly became a first-team regular, playing in the midfield position.[111] He then scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–2 draw against Ipswich Town on 16 September 2006.[112] However, Dunn was plagued with injuries throughout the first half of the season.[113] Amid to injuries, he was linked with a return to Blackburn in the upcomingtransfer window in November, as Bruce said his departure from Birmingham City could be imminent.[114] By the time he left the club, Dunn made eleven appearances and scored once in all competitions.[115]
On 17 January 2007, Dunn returned to Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year deal believed to be £2.2 million.[116] He rejected a move toBolton Wanderers in favour of returning to his boyhood club.[117] On 3 February, Dunn played his first Premier League match since his return to Blackburn Rovers againstSheffield United and earned afree kick which led to Rovers scoring a last-minute winner.[118] After the match, he said: "It was good to be back out there again – it felt like I'd never been away. I was really touched by the reception I got from the fans – it was special for me."[119] Dunn then played a role in the FA Cup fifth roundreplay against Arsenal when he set up a goal forBenni McCarthy to score the only goal of the game to advance to the next round.[120] At the end of this campaign, despite injury problems, he managed to feature in a total of 16 games in all competitions, including appearing in 11 Premier League matches.[121][122]
Dunn started the2007–08 season well, scoring in a 1–1 draw against Arsenal.[123] ManagerMark Hughes praised Dunn's performance after the match.[124] Since the start of the 2007–08 season, Dunn's place in the midfield position proved to be resurrection of his football career.[125] He then set up two goals in two matches between 7 October and 20 October against his former club Birmingham City andReading.[126] Dunn started in every match since the start of the 2007–08 season until he wassent off for a second bookable offence, in a 2–0 loss against Manchester United.[127] After serving a one match suspension, Dunn returned to the starting line–up against Aston Villa on 28 November, where they lost 4–0.[128] He then provided a hat–trick of assists, as Blackburn Rovers won 4–1 against Bolton Wanderers on 24 February.[129] At one point during a 2–1 loss against West Ham United, he was involved in altercation with teammateChristopher Samba after conceding the equalising and the argument carried on in the dressing room at half-time.[130][131] Despite being sidelined on four more occasions later in the 2007–08 season, Dunn made thirty–eight appearances and scored once in all competitions.[132][133] For his performances, he won the Special Club Award at Blackburn Rovers' annual Player of the Year awards.[134]
Ahead of the2008–09 season, Dunn was appointed vice-captain by new managerPaul Ince for the new season.[135] He started the season well, scoring in the opening game of the season, in a 3–2 win against Everton.[136] However, his 200th league appearance for Blackburn Rovers againstHull City on 23 August was overshadowed when he suffered anAchilles injury and was substituted at half-time.[137] It was announced that Dunn was out for four months.[138] By November, Dunn made his return to training to maintain his fitness, as he continued to recover from his injury.[139] It was not until on 12 December when Dunn returned from injury, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 3–0 loss againstWigan Athletic.[140] Since returning from injury, he found himself in and out of the starting line–up, as his season was disrupted by niggling injuries.[141] At the end of the 2008–09 season, Dunn made seventeen appearances and scored once in all competitions.[142]
Ahead of the2009–10 season, Dunn was linked to a move away from Blackburn Rovers, withSunderland interested in signing him, but the move did not materialise.[143] He was featured in the club's pre-season matches before suffering a thigh injury that saw him miss the start of the 2009–10 season.[144] Despite missing the first two games of the 2009–10 season Dunn returned in the League Cup clash againstGillingham and scored on his return in a 3–1 win in the second round making Rovers progress to the third round of the tournament.[145][146] He then hit top form for Rovers, scoring first goals in the Premier League including strikes againstWolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Bolton Wanderers and a memorable equaliser againstlocal rivalsBurnley at Ewood Park.[147] Since returning from injury, Dunn regained his first-team place, playing in the midfield position for the next two months.[148] However, Dunn was plagued with injuries that sidelined him for the next three months, though he did return around January.[149] While sidelined, it was announced on 26 January, with Dunn's contract expiring at Rovers, he signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract to keep him with the club until at least July 2012.[4] His contract talks started in August 2008 but it was delayed following his injuries.[150]
On 21 February 2010, Dunn returned to the first-team, coming on as an 87th-minute substitute, in a 3–0 win.[151] He made his 260th appearance for Blackburn Rovers in a home fixture with Chelsea atEwood Park in a 1–1 draw on 21 March, playing for 56 minutes before being replaced by Australian internationalBrett Emerton.[152] In a follow–up match, he scored twice against Birmingham City on 24 March in a 2–1 victory at Ewood Park, one in front of the Darwen End in the 5th-minute with himshooting with his left foot right in the corner of the goal and the other goal came on 67 minutes with a well-timedheader from a corner taken by wingerEl Hadji Diouf from the left by line, and he celebrated in front of the Walkersteel Blackburn End with all the Rovers supporters, and received ayellow card for going into the crowd.[153] Four days later on 28 March, Dunn scored the winning goal from the penalty spot against rivals Burnley atTurf Moor.[154] Since returning from injury, he regained his first-team place for the rest of the 2009–10 season.[155] Two months later on 3 May, Dunn scored his tenth goal of the season, in a 2–1 win against Arsenal.[156] At the end of the 2009–10 season, he made twenty–four appearances and scored ten times in all competitions, making him the club's top scorer this season.[157] His performance in the 2009–10 season earned him the most Man of the Matches awards.[158]
At the start of the2010–11 season, Dunn featured in two matches for the club.[159] However, he suffered a thigh injury while playing for the club's reserves and was sidelined for a month.[160] On 18 October, Dunn returned to the first-team from injury, coming on as a 64th-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Sunderland.[161] Since returning from injury, he was involved in the first-team for the next three months.[162] On 4 December, Dunn scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a close range header.[163] On 2 February 2011, in the match against Tottenham Hotspur atEwood Park, he made his 100th Premier League appearance since returning to the club for a second spell which ended in a disappointing 1–0 defeat.[164] Three days later on 5 February, he came on forBrett Emerton in the 60th-minute with Rovers down 3–2 against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium, he netted a penalty kick in the 81st-minute but could not prevent them from losing 4–3.[165] However, Dunn suffered agroin injury while training and was sidelined for the rest of March.[166] On 2 April, he returned to the first-team, coming on as a late substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Arsenal.[167] Dunn then started in the next three matches before suffering a calf injury during a match against Manchester City on 25 April.[168] Following Blackburn Rovers' survival in the Premier League, he called on the players to improve in the league next season.[169] At the end of the 2010–11 season, Dunn went on to make twenty–seven appearances and scored two times in all competitions.[170]
At the start of the2011–12 season, Dunn appeared in the club's first five matches of the season before suffering a hamstring injury and was substituted in the 34th-minute, in a 1–0 loss against Everton 27 August.[171] He returned to the starting line–up against Fulham on 11 September but was substituted in the 52nd-minute after suffering a calf injury, in a 1–1 draw, resulting in him being sidelined for a month.[172] While sidelined, Dunn defended Rovers managerSteve Kean from criticism.[173] On 29 October, Dunn returned to the first-team, coming on as a 70th-minute substitute, in a 3–3 draw against Norwich City.[174] Three weeks later on 19 November, Dunn was sent off for a second bookable offence, in a 3–3 draw against Wigan Athletic.[175] After serving a one match suspension, he returned to the starting line–up, in a 2–0 loss againstCardiff City on 29 November 2011.[176] On 14 January 2012, Dunn scored his first goal of the season, as well as, setting up the club's first goal of the game, in a 3–1 win against Fulham.[177] Thirteen days later it was announced that he signed a contract extension with Blackburn Rovers, keeping him at the club until 2013.[178] Two months later on 3 March, Dunn scored his second goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Aston Villa.[179] Despite being sidelined on four more occasions later in the 2011–12 season, Dunn found himself in and out of the starting line–up, playing in the midfield position.[180] At the end of the 2011–12 season, Dunn made 28 appearances and scored two times in all competitions, as they suffered relegation for the third time in his career as Rovers finished in 19th-place in the Premier League.[181]
Ahead of the2012–13 season, Dunn believed the club's main priority was to aim for promotion back to the Premier League.[182] After being featured for the first two league matches of the season, Dunn then found himself placed on the substitute bench, as well as, his own injury concern.[183] In a match againstSheffield Wednesday on 24 October, he started and set up the club's only goal of the game before suffering a calf injury in the 34th-minute and was substituted, as they won 1–0.[184] Following this, it was announced that Dunn was out for two months with the injury.[185] It was not until on 26 December when he returned from injury, coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against Middlesbrough.[186] However, Dunn's return was short–lived when he was sidelined for two months, though Dunn did return to the firs-team againstDerby County in the fourth round of the FA Cup.[187] It was not until on 10 March when he returned from injury, coming on as a 48th-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Millwall.[188] During the Cotton Mill derby against Burnley on 17 March, Dunn scored a 95th-minute goal for Rovers which secured a draw.[189] Ultimately, his goal was named Goal of the Season.[190] He was featured in the next seven matches before sidelined with a gash injury for the rest of the 2012–13 season.[191] At the end of the season, Dunn made eighteen appearances and scored once in all competitions.[192]
At the start of the new2013–14 season, Dunn signed a new one-year deal to remain at Blackburn until summer 2014.[193] He made his first appearance of the campaign, making a start as captain in the League Cup first round tie againstCarlisle United atBrunton Park, in which Dunn had a tame first half penalty saved; Rovers lost 4–3 on penalties after extra-time.[194] He found himself on the scoresheet in the local derby against Bolton Wanderers with an excellent solo effort, beating three players before slotting into the net to put Blackburn one goal up on the way to a 4–1 victory.[195] However, Dunn suffered a knee injury that kept him out for a month.[196] On 9 November, he returned to the first-team, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute, in a 3–0 win againstBrighton & Hove Albion.[197] After missing one match due to "not fit enough to play two matches in four days", Dunn scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–2 win againstMillwall on 14 December.[198] This was followed up by setting up the club's only goal of the game, in a 1–0 win againstYeovil Town.[199] However, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for weeks.[200]
On 11 January 2014, Dunn returned to the starting line–up, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute, in a 1–0 win againstDoncaster Rovers.[201] He set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 2–2 draw againstBarnsley two weeks later on 28 January.[202] This was followed up by scoring his second goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against Blackpool.[203] A month later on 25 March, Dunn scored his fourth goal of the season, as well as, setting up the club's third goal of the game, in a 3–3 draw against Watford.[204] Despite being sidelined later in the 2013–14 season, he continued to be involved in the first-team.[205] For his performance, Dunn was awarded the club's Man of the Year.[206] At the end of the 2013–14 season, he made twenty–four appearances and scored four times in all competitions.[207] Dunn was released by Blackburn following the end of his contract on 1 July 2014, but re-signed for the club on 11 July of the same year.[208]
At the start of the2014–15 season, Dunn made his first appearance of the season, where he started and played 62 minutes before being substituted in a 1–0 loss against Scunthorpe United in the first round of the League Cup.[209] However, Dunn suffered a minor knock that eventually kept him out for the month.[210] On 21 October, he returned to the first-team, coming on as a 66th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 win against Birmingham City.[211] However, Dunn found his first-team opportunities limited throughout the 2014–15 season.[212] On 27 April, Dunn announced he would be departing Blackburn Rovers at the end of the season, ending his combined time of thirteen years.[213] Dunn made his 387th appearance for the club, where he started and played 76 minutes before substituted, which he received a standing ovation from supporters, as Blackburn Rovers won 3–2 againstIpswich Town in the last game of the season.[214] At the end of the 2014–15 season, Dunn made twelve appearances in all competitions.[215]
On 30 July 2015, Dunn signed forLeague One clubOldham Athletic on a one-year deal. ManagerDarren Kelly stated that his addition would make the team's midfield one of the strongest in the league for the upcoming2015–16 Oldham Athletic A.F.C. season.[216] Upon joining the club, he was given a number seventeen shirt.[217] Dunn made his Oldham Athletic debut, coming on as a 67th-minute substitute, in a 1–1 draw againstWalsall in the opening game of the season.[218] Since making his debut for the club, he was involved in every match, and contributed two assists.[219] By the time Dunn was appointed manager, he made nine appearances in all competitions.[220]
Dunn represented England at international level and was first called up to theEngland U18 squad for the first time and made his debut for the U18 squad on 12 February 1998.[221] He was then a part of their squad for the1998 UEFA European Championship in Cyprus, where they were eliminated in the Group Stage.[222]
In November 1998, Dunn was called up to theUnder-21 squad for the first time.[223] He made his debut on 18 November 1998.[224] In May 2000, Dunn was called up to theUEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.[225] He played two times in the tournament, as England were eliminated in the Group Stage.[226] It was not until on 31 August 2000 that Dunn scored his first goal for England U21, in a 6–1 win againstGeorgia U21.[227] Two months later, he was appointed as captain for a 1–1 draw againstGermany.[228] Dunn was called up for theUEFA European Under-21 Championship and played three times, as they finished last in their group.[229]
Throughout 2001, there were calls from the British media that Dunn should be called up to theEngland squad.[230] On his column forthe Lancashire Telegraph, he wrote positively aboutSven-Göran Eriksson's early managerial start at England.[231] Dunn was considered to be in the England squad for theFIFA World Cup, but he did not make the final cut.[232] Three months later, on 3 September 2002, Dunn was called up to the England for the first time and made his firstcap on 7 September 2002, when he replacedSteven Gerrard againstPortugal at half-time.[233] This turned out to be his only senior England appearance.[234] Following this, there were calls for England to call Dunn to the squad, but to no avail, as he said: "I know that I should've had morecaps. I truly wish that I'd knuckled down at times and pushed myself that bit more. I'm really proud that I played professionally for my country, it's what I started out wanting to do but there's always that little bugbear that I could and maybe should've had more caps."[92][235]
On 13 September 2015, following the sacking ofDarren Kelly, Dunn was appointed as thecaretaker manager of his playing clubOldham Athletic, with him supposed to remain in that position until a permanent replacement was found.[236] At the time of his appointment, he was working on completing hisUEFA Pro Licence, having previously completed his UEFA A and B Licences.[93][237] On 7 October, Dunn was appointed permanently, following a recent unbeaten run.[238] His first game in charge as their permanent manager came three days later in a 4–2 defeat toScunthorpe United atBoundary Park.[239] His first victory was a 2–1 victory atSwindon Town on 20 October 2015.[240]
His tenure as manager did not go according to plan: Oldham entered into a relegation battle after a negative run of results which resulted in Dunn being dismissed on 12 January 2016, just three months after his appointment.[241] Oldham had gone several league games without a win.[242] Dunn's departure also led to the exits ofDean Holden andKeith Brown, who were both members of Dunn'scoaching staff.[241] He left the club sat in twenty-second place, with Dunn being replaced by heavily experiencedJohn Sheridan a day later.[243]
On 25 February 2016, Dunn returned to his former playing clubBlackburn Rovers to work alongside his former teammateDamien Johnson in the academy set-up as the under-23s assistant coach.[244] His appointment as coach saw Dunn hang up his boots after an 18-year-spell as a professional footballer.[244] On 22 February 2017, Dunn was promoted to first-team coach under new managerTony Mowbray.[245] Dunn remained in that role until the end of the season; he reverted to his previous position after Blackburn were relegated toLeague One.[246] A successful season followed for Blackburn: the under-23s (which Dunn coached with Johnson) won thePremier League 2 Division 2, earning promotion toDivision 1; whereas the first-team achieved immediate promotion back to theChampionship as runners-up.[247] Dunn departed Blackburn for the third time in June 2018, in order to concentrate on his family and other business interests outside of football.[247][248]
In January 2020, Dunn joined League One sideBlackpool as an assistant coach.[249] On 12 February, Dunn was installed as the club's caretaker manager until further notice, following the dismissal ofSimon Grayson, who was sacked after a negative run of form.[250] His first game in charge was 2–1 defeat in the league, away atBristol Rovers, taking place three days following his appointment.[251] However, Blackpool went on to record a respectable run of form, including a goalless draw againstAFC Wimbledon,[252] before achieving 2–1 victories whilst hostingBolton Wanderers and promotion-chasingIpswich Town atBloomfield Road, respectively.[253][254]
Neil Critchley, a highly acclaimed coach who had previously been employed byPremier League giantsLiverpool as theirunder-23s team manager, was appointed as Grayson's replacement on 2 March.[255] Following his appointment, Critchley stated that he was satisfied with the existing coaching staff, with Dunn confirming two days later that he intended to remain in his previous role as an assistant coach, with all four members of the coaching staff being on thetouchline for the club's reserves fixture againstHuddersfield Town one day previously.[256]
In July 2020, Dunn became linked with the vacant managerial position atBarrow, whose previous managerIan Evatt had recently departed to joinBolton Wanderers just shortly after guiding the club to promotion into theEnglish Football League.[257] On 9 July, his appointment at the club was confirmed, after he signed a two-year contract.[258] This became Dunn's first permanent managerial position since his tenure at Oldham Athletic concluded in 2016.[259] After 22 matches, the last nine without a win, and with the team 21st in the table, Dunn was sacked on 13 December 2020.[260]
Dunn was in a relationship with actressSammy Winward; the couple were once engaged and had a daughter named Mia.[263] Dunn has three children with his wife, Hayley.[264] The oldest, Isaac, was born in 2008.[135]
During his first spell at Blackburn Rovers, Dunn wrote a column for theLancashire Telegraph,[265] and was known as a prankster.[266] He later went onto business with former teammateGarry Flitcroft, running a timber firm named Flitcraft.[267]
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^"We must wise up - Tommo". The Lancashire Telegraph. 7 October 2002. Retrieved15 July 2020. "Sweet and sour". The Lancashire Telegraph. 18 October 2002. Retrieved15 July 2020. "Rovers romp to victory". The Lancashire Telegraph. 19 October 2002. Retrieved15 July 2020.
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