mancityblues.com

It's clear that there is speculation at the moment regarding Richard Dunne with Quinnie himself saying he is certainly in the queue for Dunne's services up at Sunderland. There is no doubt that many fans would be sorry to see him leave, but believe that he is not reliable enough under pressure to carry the revolution forward. Something of a liability in fact.

Stockport Blue says;

"Richard Dunne is probably one of the reasons City haven't been relegated in the past five or six years. He has been under more pressure this last season because of the failings of the full backs to stop crosses and players further up the pitch losing interest when city lose the ball.
The worrying thing for me is that many of his errors have been down to lack of concentration (Spurs away) or bad decision making (Fulham at home). Errors an experienced centre half should never make."

From GOAL.COM in August 2008;

Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne has been a blue Manc for the best part of a decade. During attacking onslaughts he has remained a rock in the centre of defence. His performances last season attracting a host of clubs to his availability this summer for a knock-down fee.
While new kid on the block Micah Richards earned plaudits from English pundits, it was his partner Richard Dunne whom was providing the youngster with an on-pitch education, taking time out from the syllabus to tidy up his occasional mistakes.
The loss of Dunne would have proved costly. But the 28-year old revealed all it took was a phone call from new head coach Mark Hughes, asking if he wanted to stay.
Dunne told The Times: "I spoke to a couple of clubs, but then Mark Hughes got the manager’s job and straight away he phoned me and asked if I like to stay. That was all I needed to hear."

It is fair to say that Hughes certainly has backed Dunne as far as he can since taking the reins and if a move to Sunderland does materialise then at least we can assume Dunne will receive a fitting testimonial for his service to the club. I doubt that Richard will want to become a squad player just yet, a move may be the best thing all round.

If City bring in a better centre half than Richard (and they'd better get a wriggle on), then his boots will still take some filling and I am sure that wherever he goes he will get his old self-assurance back and show what he is capable of. I personally remember him against Manyoo and Van Nistelroy who was wailing and gnashing his teeth because Dunney headed every single cross away, and timed every tackle perfectly, it was a joy to watch. No OG's and no clangers THAT day!

FROM THE FORUM today

Quote from: spike on Today at 10:35:14 AM

Dunne hasn't been the same since Distin went. They complimented each other.

Quote from mcfcbry

Do you mean like this spike ?
( Dunnie )you're looking really good today Distin
( Distin to Dunnie) no you're looking good today Dunnie
( Dunnie to Distin ) I like your shirt
( Distin to Dunnie ) I like your shoes Dunnie
( Dunnie to Distin ) I love your new jacket
( Distin to Dunnie ) those new socks are great .