David Dunn has been installed as the manager of newly-promoted Barrow.

The 40-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Progression Solicitors Stadium ahead of their return to the EFL.

Dunn leaves League One side Blackpool where he had been first-team coach since the turn of the year after being appointed by Simon Grayson.

Between the sacking of Grayson, and appointment of former Liverpool Under-23s boss Critchley, Dunn had four caretaker games in charge, winning four, drawing one and losing one.

His only other managerial experience was a short spell in charge of Oldham Athletic in 2015/16, winning three of his 20 matches.

That was just months after he hung up his boots after a distinguished playing career, which saw him make 466 appearances, 378 of those coming in the blue and white halves of Rovers.

After his departure from Oldham, Dunn returned to Rovers where he worked alongside Damien Johnson in the Under-23s, helping the club win the Premier League 2 Division Two title in 2017/18.

He also had a spell as first-team coach in the final 15 games of the 2016/17 season, following the appointment of Tony Mowbray.

Dunn left Rovers in the summer of 2018 but is now back as a manager of the Bluebirds who won the National League title.

They had been on the look-out for a new manager since Ian Evatt, who along with coach Peter Atherton, were appointed as the new management team at Bolton after the departure of Keith Hill, with Bolton paying a six-figure fee to bring the pair to the University of Bolton stadium.

Chairman Paul Hornby said: “As soon as we knew David was available and wanted the position we made him our number one target. He is an extremely talented coach and ticked all the boxes with the owners.

“His football philosophy and style of play is completely suited to how we are setup and he also knows a number of our players, which met our requirements for a seamless transition.

“After meeting David we knew he would be the man to take the club onto the next level.”

Barrow have had close links with Rovers in recent years, with Matty Platt, Tom White and Jack Vale all having loan spells last season, while the clubs have met in pre-season in two of the last three years.