Didn't ask at the time, but it was clear he thought the board hadn't supported Dunn (as appears in my original post). Maybe other players thought the same and their lack of conviction was towards the board and not towards Dunn at all?
Like my original post also says, vicious cycle and one it'll be tough to get out of for a while (hopefully sooner rather than later)
FWIW, I quite liked what little I've seen of Eckersley on the pitch. He's not first choice granted, but I'd have him in the squad