Rhodes is 'different class' beams Bunn

The former Athletic goalkeeper rejoined the club as Bunn’s number two from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer where he held the role of head of goalkeeping for eight years.

Both have a Jack in the box-like demeanour on the touchline – which the manager believes gets the message across to the players on the pitch.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s League Two clash at Swindon, Bunn said: “Andy is different class around the place – he’s a great character and a winner.

“He’s not only a good colleague, he’s a good friend.

“We both never stop on that touchline and I’d like to think that carries over to the players because they certainly never stop working.”

Bunn, who admitted to being “emotionally wrecked” following Peter Clarke’s last gasp equaliser against Colchester last week, added: “That’s so pleasing for us because, certainly last week against Colchester, and probably for the first time, they faced real adversity in having to come back from two goals down.

“They showed so much spirit to get back and it’s nice to see the enthusiasm out there on the pitch.

“I’m delighted Andy is here. We’ve both got history here, we both work our socks off and we’re trying to reignite this place.”

Rhodes played alongside Bunn in the late 1980s – both were part of the starting line up in the 1990 League Cup final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

Following a 15-year playing career in which he made over 400 senior appearances, Rhodes first returned to Boundary Park as goalkeeping coach under Andy Ritchie before working with Joe Royle at Ipswich Town as well as a spell at Preston North End.

Rhodes said: “I was obviously here as a player in the great days with some really good people and I was fortunate to come back with Andy Ritchie and Iain Dowie as goalkeeping coach.

“The next progression in your life is to go to the managerial side and fortunately Frank asked me to do that and I couldn’t wait to get here.”