Gavin Gunning

Blackburn Rovers

Gunning joined Blackburn Rovers from Crumlin United in January 2006 at the age of 15; it was reported as a "major coup" for Blackburn manager Mark Hughes as league champions Chelsea had also expressed an interest. After featuring in the academy and reserve teams, Gunning was described as "one of the most promising prospects from Blackburn Rovers' Academy" and in 2008, signed a two-year professional contract. He was given the number 29 shirt by Rovers manager Sam Allardyce for the 2009–10 season, having been given number 42 the previous season, though it was thought to be likely that he would be sent out on loan. On 6 August 2009, he moved to Tranmere Rovers on a one-month loan. He made his first-team debut two days later, in a 2–0 defeat at Yeovil Town. He went on to make a total of six League One appearances whilst at Prenton Park. On 22 January 2010, Gunning started his second loan spell during that season when he joined League Two club Rotherham United on an initial one-month emergency loan. After making two appearances, his loan was extended until the end of the season. In the second leg of the 2009–10 League Two Play-offs against Aldershot Town, Gunning set up a goal for Adam Le Fondre, as Rotherham won 3–0 on aggregate. Gunning was in the starting line-up in the play-offs finals at Wembley Stadium, however, Rotherham were defeated 3–2 by Dagenham & Redbridge. In November 2010, Gunning joined League Two side Bury on loan until 11 December 2010,…

Having represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 level, Gunning made his under-21 debut against Georgia in a 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match on 9 October 2009.

Gunning was appointed to the coaching staff at Swindon Town in July 2022, with head coach Scott Lindsey stating that he would assist with coaching the team's defensive game. On 11 January 2023, he was appointed co-interim head coach, alongside Steve Mildenhall, after Lindsey left Swindon for Crawley Town. He ruled himself out of getting the job permanently and returned to his assistant role when Jody Morris was appointed as the club's new manager on 31 January. Morris was sacked on 1 May 2023, leading to Gunning and Mildenhall taking charge for the final game of the season. Michael Flynn was appointed as the club's next permanent manager seven days later. On 15 January 2024, Gunning was again appointed interim head coach following Flynn's departure. Swindon ended the 2023–24 season 19th in League Two, the lowest position in the club's history. Following the appointment of Mark Kennedy as head coach, Gunning remained with the club in the role of first-team pathways coach, supporting players in the transition from youth to first-team football. Gunning agreed a new contract in May 2025.

Gunning was born in Dublin on 26 January 1991 and attended St Benildus College in the Kilmacud area of the city. As a youth, he played Gaelic football for Naomh Ólaf and Kilmacud Crokes and association football for Ballyogan Celtic, St. Joseph Boys and Crumlin United.