David Dunn looks forward to Blackpool return but result won't worry Barrow boss

The newly-appointed Barrow manager brings his side to Bloomfield Road for Tuesday's 1pm friendly less than six weeks after he left his post on the Blackpool coaching team.

The 40-year-old is preparing to lead promoted Barrow into a Football League season for the first time in almost half a century and they started their pre-season programme with a 4-0 victory over local non-league side Holker Old Boys on Saturday.

A tougher test can be expected in today’s behind-closed-doors contest but Dunn insists he will be treating the 1pm kick-off in much the same way.

Dunn told The Mail in Barrow: “We will go about it the same way. I’m not interested in results.

“The lads will be because they’re competitive but for me I want a good workout and for them to be fit on September 5 (when the season is due to kick-of with the first round of the Carabao Cup.)

As for that first run-out in five months against Holker, Dunn said: “First and foremost everyone comes through unscathed.

“It’s fitness exercise more than anything else but it’s a chance for the lads to implement some of the stuff they’ve worked on in the week.

“I’m more pleased no-one got any injuries but pleased we got a couple of goals and a clean sheet.”

Dunn joined the Blackpool coaching team in January after 18 months away from the game. He became caretaker manager the following month, after the sacking of Simon Grayson, and took seven points from his four games in charge before the appointment of Neil Critchley.

Dunn could not resist the opportunity to take charge at Barrow, after they had been confirmed as National League champions and boss Ian Evatt had moved on to their new League Two rivals Bolton Wanderers.

Dunn had a three-month stint as player-manager of Oldham Athletic in 2015-16, then furthered his coaching career back at Blackburn, the club he played more than 300 League games for during two stints.

Saturday’s Holker game featured several triallists and Dunn is set to look at more at Bloomfield Road. He added: “The triallists have come in and done well. Like any pre-season, we are looking at some. I don’t want too many in at once but there’s a lot out of contract and if we can get some in we will do that.”

Barrow will face Blackpool again this season after they were drawn in the same group for the EFL Trophy