Danny Philliskirk has aired his delight at David Dunn being awarded the Oldham Athletic job on a permanent basis.
The 35-year-old was appointed as first-team manager of the Latics on Wednesday afternoon following a short spell in interim charge.
Philliskirk insists that each member of the playing squad looked to up their performance levels for Dunn in order to make themselves tough to beat, which is reflected in the club's four-game unbeaten run.
"The gaffer is a real football man and he wants us to play," he is quoted as saying by the Oldham Evening Chronicle. "We are all working hard for him and wanted him to get the job full-time. His philosophy is good and we have all been doing our best for him."
Next up for 18th-place Athletic is the visit of Scunthorpe United on Saturday afternoon.