Blackpool caretaker boss David Dunn hopes a new manager is appointed quickly

David Dunn oversaw defeat at Bristol Rovers in his first game as acting manager

The 40-year-old oversaw his first game at the weekend as the Seasiders slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers in what was their first fixture since the sacking of Simon Grayson.

With Pool now enjoying a free week before heading to the capital for next Saturday’s game against AFC Wimbledon, Dunn couldn’t provide any guarantees about who will be in the dugout.

When asked how long he expects to remain in caretaker charge, Dunn replied: “I’ve no idea.

“I’ve just been told to take the reins and see how we go. Hopefully they will appoint somebody relatively soon.

“I just want to be back on the grass because I enjoy coaching, so I will just keep doing that until told otherwise.”

Despite an improved display, the Seasiders’ alarming run of form continued on Saturday as they lost for an eighth time in their last 10 outings.

Pool squandered an early lead, Gary Madine netting his second goal since returning to the club after just two minutes.

Dunn’s players looked in charge of proceedings up until defender Ben Heneghan was shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time.

Pool still had their chances to make life more comfortable for themselves even with 10 men, Matty Virtue in particular missing two big chances.

However the home side, who were without a win in 14 prior to kick-off, got themselves back on level terms courtesy of Alife Kilgour’s wonder strike.

The Gas then won the match with a slice of fortune six minutes from time when Preston North End loanee Josh Ginnelly inadvertently diverted a shot into the back of the net.

A disappointed Dunn felt his side were unfortunate to lose, accepting the red card was the pivotal moment of the game.

He added: “Does he need to make the challenge? I’m not sure, but he slipped.

“But if he slips he’s obviously going to ground and he’s got to try and win the ball.

“He’s disappointed in the dressing room because he’s a cracking pro and he does it right every day.”

The Seasiders still had the chance to snatch a point at the death when Nathan Delfouneso was sent clear through on goal.

However, the substitute somehow managed to curl wide, condemning Blackpool to yet another costly defeat – leaving them in 16th and 16 points off the play-offs.

“We had some great chances, even with 10 men and we should be scoring them,” Dunn accepts.

“Players miss chances and that’s fine, so there are no complaints from me as long as we are getting in those areas and creating chances.”