BARROW AFC's new manager David Dunn is gearing up for his first pre-season with the club, ahead of its return to the English Football League.

Dunn is eagerly awaiting confirmation on when the 2020/21 season will begin, with a September start being rumoured, before planning his schedule.

Normally, teams would already be well into their pre-season by the middle of July, but due to the chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Bluebirds don’t yet know their fixtures or when their first game in the EFL for 48 years will take place.

Dunn said: "I've looked at schedules and when I think it will start, but we'll only know that when the fixtures come out and we can work back from that and put a couple of things in place.

"I think every club is in the same boat and we'll just have to work with it and every club will be doing the same and trying to help each other out to get games in because that's important for the players before the start of the season.

"I'm actually looking forward to getting started and once we get a date for when the season starts, that will be important for every club.”

As AFC wait, Dunn will have the opportunity to analyse and assess his players to determine what the squad will look like when they do return to the pitch.

His previous experience includes coaching midfielder Lewis Hardcastle during his time at Blackburn, meaning he does have familiarity with some members of the squad.

He is also looking into the possibility of bringing Rovers defender Matt Platt and midfielder Tom White back to Holker Street after their successful loan spells last season.

Dunn said: "I know some of the players anyway from my time at Blackburn, when I was coaching there, and I've always kept in contact. I'm looking forward to finding out when the season is actually going to start, getting pre-season under way and meeting all the players and hopefully having a really positive impact on them."

The current lack of clarity surrounding the lockdown and subsequent confusion around the sport has left Barrow in the dark on several key issues, including when fans will be allowed to return

Barrow still haven’t formally celebrated being promoted to the EFL for the first time since 1972 by being presented with the National League trophy, after they were crowned champions on a points per game basis last month.

Dunn will be a part of it when it eventually happens, but he admits: "It will be a little bit strange joining the celebrations because I wasn't here.

“But it's important that the lads enjoy that day and our supporters enjoy it because it's a wonderful achievement and they should be very proud of getting promoted last year."