David Dunn praises Blackburn academy for son’s development | OneFootball

Ewood Park could be graced by the prowess of another member of the Dunn contingent in the near future.

David Dunn’s son, Isaac, is regarded as a top prospect in Blackburn’s academy. The teenager has been included in the senior squad four times this campaign, but is yet to make his first-team debut.

His performances at U18 level have garnered plenty of plaudits, but his father was quick to temper expectations.

“Listen he’s still only 16, he’s a young boy,” Dunn told The Football Faithful in association with William Hill.

“But for a first-year scholar going into full-time football, I’d say he’s had a great season.

“He’s a very technical player, but again he’s still got loads of growth yet. I’m looking forward to watching him progress and see where it takes him because we all know that football is a really tough sport.

“There’s going to be ups and downs that’s for sure, it’s just about how he manages the negatives and hopefully he can have much more positives.”

The teenager has drawn comparisons to his father for his technical elegance and strong physical attributes, and he’ll be hoping to follow in his role model’s footsteps next season.

Dunn senior is familiar with several of the current academy staff, having held the post of U21’s manager between 2016 and 2018. The former England international looks fondly upon his time spent at Brockhall Village.

“The best job I’ve ever had on this side of the fence was coaching at Blackburn U21s. It was a brilliant role,” Dunn proclaimed with a grin.

“I got so much enjoyment out of it. It’s my club where I’ve been brought through, and watching players develop and take a similar path was extremely rewarding.”

The 45-year-old is now focused on offering advice away from the sport, with full trust in the current coaches to monitor his son’s progress.

“I just think it’s important for me to mentor him off the pitch. Hopefully I can show him what I did wrong,” Dunn joked.

“You have to be so dedicated now in football and live your life like an elite athlete should.

“Football will take care of itself; you’ve got to trust the managers and the coaches that they’ll look after him. You just have to support him and give good advice off the pitch.”

Blackburn are renowned for their proficiency of producing quality players from their youth set-up. Recent success stories include Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, Arsenal’s David Raya and Blackburn skipper Lewis Travis.

“I like it when local players are given the opportunity when they come through the ranks,” Dunn said.

“I believe Blackburn have 800 consecutive appearances for having a graduate in the side and I think I was the first of those games.

“You see lads that have been at the club since eight or nine in the first team, which is brilliant.

“One great thing about the club is that they’ve always produced players, so hopefully that can continue for many years to come.”

Dunn was quick to point out the the praise should be directed towards the people tasked with nurturing the young talents into fully-fledged professionals.

“There’s a lot of credit to some good loyal coaches there that have been at the club for many years.

“They’ve done a really good job and keep producing top talents.”

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