FORMER Wanderers and Manchester United full-back Tony Dunne has passed away at the age of 78.
The Republic of Ireland international came to Burnden Park at the start of the 1973/74 season under Jimmy Armfield after 13 years at United, in which he had won a European Cup, two league championships and two FA Cups.
But despite being in the autumnal years of his career he managed to play-on for another five years at Bolton, helping them win promotion to the First Division in 1977/78 after two near-misses.
Dunne made his Bolton debut in a 1-0 defeat against Bristol City in August 1973 and struggled at first to nail down a regular first team spot, with Don McAllister often shifted to the full-back berth.
He began the next season as first choice, however, and came into his own after the arrival of Ian Greaves in October 1974.
He was a part of the side which secured promotion to the top flight at Blackburn in April 1979 and featured regularly on the club's return to the top division - playing at left-back in the famous 3-0 victory against Manchester United at Burnden.
After 26 league appearances that season he left in the summer for a short stint in the NASL with Detroit Express.
Dunne then moved into the dugout as assistant manager to Stan Anderson but was replaced by George Mulhall in the spring of 1981.
He then struck out alone in management, replacing Foulkes as manager of Norwegian side Steinkjer FK in 1982.
In his later years he owned a golf driving range in Altrincham.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel