David Dunn's praise for Blackpool after taking Barrow managerial role

The 40-year-old left his role as Blackpool’s first-team coach to take the job at Holker Street, which had been left vacant following Ian Evatt’s recent departure to Bolton Wanderers.

Dunn has signed a two-year deal with the Bluebirds, who are gearing up for their return to the Football League after a 48-year absence.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to come to the club in what will be its first year back in the Football League,” Dunn said.

“I’m delighted to be the one that will be leading the team into League Two, so I can’t wait to get underway.

“I watched quite a few of Barrow’s games last season and I always got a feeling it was a really good community club.

“When I met the owners I always felt they would be really good people to work for, I always had that in the back of my mind.

“Ian Evatt has done a wonderful job to get the team promoted but, hopefully, we can build on that and push on and have a really good season.

“It’s all happened really quickly. I was more than happy, I had a really good job at Blackpool and Blackpool have been excellent through the process.

“The big challenge for me now is to get the group of staff together which will give us the best chance of being successful.

“I think it’s right to sound people out and I’m speaking to quite a few people about filling those positions.

“But it happened so quickly so it might take a little bit of time.

“I certainly don’t want to rush it as I want to get the right people around me.

“They had a wonderful season so it’s only right they kept most of the players. We should have a lot of momentum going into next season.

“I know we’ve had a break with the coronavirus but hopefully that momentum allows us to kick on and have a good season.

“It’s great that group has stuck together but it’s also important we help them by bringing in the right players to give the club the best chance of succeeding.”

Dunn, who arrived at Bloomfield Road in January, took charge of the Seasiders on a caretaker basis in February following the sacking of Simon Grayson.

He oversaw four games, helping Pool seal two wins and a draw.

The former Blackburn Rovers and England midfielder previously had a short spell as manager of Oldham Athletic during the 2015/16 season.