FORMER Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Dunn has released a statement through the League Managers Association after he was sacked as Oldham Athletic boss. 

The 36-year-old, who first joined Oldham in the summer as a player after leaving Rovers, lost his job on Tuesday after 20 games in charge. 

Dunn said: “As I leave my position as manager of Oldham Athletic, I wish to pay tribute to the backroom staff, Dean Holden and Keith Brown in particular, for their tireless efforts during a very difficult season. I thank the players, who continued to play for me when confidence was low, the fans for their support from day one and the club, who gave me my first opportunity in football management.

“When I joined Oldham as a senior member of the playing staff, I was made aware of the competitiveness of League One and when I took over as manager, we ensured we would be a tough team to beat. The fact we drew more games than we lost in the league reflects this and our results against some of the stronger teams in the league shows how organised we were as a squad.

“I had hoped to have been given the opportunity to strengthen the squad during the transfer window and I feel confident that had I done so we would have turned the season around, improved results and secured the League One status of the club.

“Managing Oldham Athletic has been an invaluable experience. I have learnt a great deal during my time at the club which I will take forward with me in my future career. I wish the club and the fans the very best for the remainder of the season.”