Royle seal of approval

Last updated : 03 August 2018 By The Chairman

Former Latics boss Joe Royle has given a vote of confidence to new manager Frankie Bunn. Royle said, “I know he’s a top-class coach and I’ve seen him work. He’s got great recommendations from both Manchester City and Coventry City. He’s tried for the job before, he’s always loved the club so all in all, it seemed a logical choice to me. I think it’s a good pairing with Andy Rhodes. You know, with Frankie as manager and Andy as his assistant, I think they’ll really work well together.”

“They were always very close, and their wives are very close too. It was a very close team to be honest with you. They had a fantastic camaraderie and Frankie and Andy both had a major part in that. When I got the job at 33, people were saying we needed somebody with more experience. But positive results will alter people’s minds; give him a chance. I think they’ve got a great chance, they’ve still got the base of the squad. They’ve got one or two players that have done well in a higher division, and that’s always a good sign. So that, with a mix of youth, new and fresh players coming in, I expect them to do well. It’s always hard that first month after relegation, but once they get going, I expect them to get their whereabouts.”