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WANDERERS are considering a shock move for ex-Blackburn Rovers skipper David Dunn.
The Bolton News understands that contact has been made with the 35-year-old midfielder, who becomes a free agent at the end of this month.
A pay-as-you-play deal has been discussed but negotiations are still at a very early stage, with Dunn still weighing up a number of options to continue playing, or move into coaching.
Neil Lennon is looking to add experience to his dressing room and sees the once-capped former England international as the right sort of character.
But in order to get his man the Wanderers boss might have to re-write the history books – with some around the club still brassed off at Dunn’s last-minute u-turn on a move to Bolton in 2007.
Eight years ago Sam Allardyce thought he had signed the midfielder at the peak of his powers in a £2million deal, with a medical completed, only for Rovers to nip in at the last possible moment.
“I was 10 minutes away from going over to Bolton and signing the contract,” he said a couple of years later. “I could understand their position but I had to do it for myself.
“Sam (Allardyce) said he appreciated the call and I'm just glad I had the courage to pick up the phone and do what was right. What goes around comes around.”
Dunn has a wealth of experience, leading Rovers into the Premier League in 2001 and to the League Cup in 2002. In all he played 378 times for Blackburn in two spells, either side of an unhappy spell at Birmingham City.
He started just three times last season, however, making another nine appearances from the bench.
Lennon has already shown a willingness to bring in veteran players with Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey last season – both of whom are hoping to extend their playing careers by at least another year.
A move for Dunn would still be a surprising one, however, given his lack of game time last season, although the player is also studying towards his coaching badges and could potentially be used in a dual role.
Dunn has already talked openly about a potential deal at League Two Accrington Stanley.
“I've got a decent relationship with (manager) John Coleman and (assistant manager) Jimmy Bell so if it happens it's something I'll look at,” he said.
“Whether it is this time or next time, I don't know, I've got to keep my options open and see what's the best thing, for not just myself but my family as well.”
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/13355418.Wanderers_eye_up_surprise_move_for_Blackburn_legend_David_Dunn/
The Bolton News understands that contact has been made with the 35-year-old midfielder, who becomes a free agent at the end of this month.
A pay-as-you-play deal has been discussed but negotiations are still at a very early stage, with Dunn still weighing up a number of options to continue playing, or move into coaching.
Neil Lennon is looking to add experience to his dressing room and sees the once-capped former England international as the right sort of character.
But in order to get his man the Wanderers boss might have to re-write the history books – with some around the club still brassed off at Dunn’s last-minute u-turn on a move to Bolton in 2007.
Eight years ago Sam Allardyce thought he had signed the midfielder at the peak of his powers in a £2million deal, with a medical completed, only for Rovers to nip in at the last possible moment.
“I was 10 minutes away from going over to Bolton and signing the contract,” he said a couple of years later. “I could understand their position but I had to do it for myself.
“Sam (Allardyce) said he appreciated the call and I'm just glad I had the courage to pick up the phone and do what was right. What goes around comes around.”
Dunn has a wealth of experience, leading Rovers into the Premier League in 2001 and to the League Cup in 2002. In all he played 378 times for Blackburn in two spells, either side of an unhappy spell at Birmingham City.
He started just three times last season, however, making another nine appearances from the bench.
Lennon has already shown a willingness to bring in veteran players with Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey last season – both of whom are hoping to extend their playing careers by at least another year.
A move for Dunn would still be a surprising one, however, given his lack of game time last season, although the player is also studying towards his coaching badges and could potentially be used in a dual role.
Dunn has already talked openly about a potential deal at League Two Accrington Stanley.
“I've got a decent relationship with (manager) John Coleman and (assistant manager) Jimmy Bell so if it happens it's something I'll look at,” he said.
“Whether it is this time or next time, I don't know, I've got to keep my options open and see what's the best thing, for not just myself but my family as well.”
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/13355418.Wanderers_eye_up_surprise_move_for_Blackburn_legend_David_Dunn/
. Too old and too Blackburn
