GARY Bowyer believes ‘true Blackburn Rovers legend’ David Dunn will be back as the club’s manager.

Fans’ favourite Dunn yesterday confirmed he will leave his beloved Rovers once his contract expires in the summer.

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The 35-year-old plans to continue his distinguished playing career away from the club he has supported all of his life.

But Dunn hopes to return to Rovers in the future in a coaching capacity.

And Bowyer has no doubts that the former England international, a player he fears the club will not see the like of again, will one day follow in his footsteps and take over the Ewood Park hotseat.

The Rovers boss said: “Between now and him leaving there will be a hell of a lot of plaudits coming his way and rightly so as what he has done for this football club is unbelievable.

“We’ve always used him as a role model as he’s come through the Academy and gone on to represent his country while at Blackburn Rovers.

“And I’m not sure, in this day and age, we’ll see many more like him.

“He’s a true Blackburn Rovers legend and a massive fan of the club who still is and always will be.

“And I’m sure the qualities he’s shown throughout his career will continue in his quest to become a manager.

“And one day, in my opinion, he will manage Blackburn Rovers, and I look forward to that day.”

Bowyer is coming to the end of his second full season in charge of Rovers.

He says working with Dunn, who is well on with his coaching qualifications, has made him a better manager.

And he also feels the midfielder’s magic has rubbed off on his largely young squad.

Bowyer said: “He’s helped me massively and he’s made me a better manager with the contribution that he has made.

“And he’s also helped our younger lads with the knowledge and experience that he’s got. They always listen to him and he passes on what he’s learned from his career to them. Some of attacking players, like Ben Marshall and Tom Cairney, he has certainly helped in their development.

“That’s one of the strengths he’s got off the pitch. He’s very good talking to players and helping players.

“It’s sad that it’s coming to an end but, like he’s said himself, all things do come to an end.

“We just hope we can give him a proper send off at the weekend.”

After returning from a three-month injury lay-off Dunn was an unused substitute in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Huddersfield Town.

But Bowyer has confirmed he will feature in this Saturday’s final game of the campaign at home to Ipswich Town.

After 14 seasons at the club, split across two spells, it will be Dunn’s 378th and last appearance in the blue and white halves.

Bowyer said: “He will be involved for sure and I hope the public of Blackburn come out and show their appreciation to a true Blackburn Rovers legend.

“It will be emotional for Dunny, his granddad and the rest of his family, and it’s up to the rest of us, the players, staff and supporters, to give him the right good send off he fully deserves.

“He’s been truly remarkable for this club and, whether we see the type of him again, I’m not too sure.”