Blackpool have finally announced Steve Bruce as their new permanent manager after former boss Neil Critchley was relieved of his duties on August 21st.
Prior to Critchley’s departure, the Seasiders were 23rd in League One after suffering back-to-back defeats to newly promoted sides Crawley Town and Stockport County, leaving them with worrying zero points to start the season.
Critchley had made eight new additions to the Blackpool side, hoping to make amends on narrowly missing out on a crucial play-off spot last season. Despite being in charge for the full pre-season and almost the whole transfer window, he will no longer be able to see his plans for these new signings in action.
Club Statement from Blackpool Owner Simon Sadler
Following this news, Blackpool Owner Simon Sadler issued a club statement: “Neil’s dedication, commitment, and tireless work ethic have been a real credit to the club. Despite his best efforts over the past 12 months, there have been a number of disappointing results and performances, which means that a change is needed to give the club every possible chance of competing at the top end of the division this season.”
Interim Management by Richard Keogh
Instead, it was former player and now coach Richard Keogh who would be in charge on an interim basis until a replacement was found. Keogh’s first test came in the form of an away fixture to Cambridge United in the league, resulting in a 4-4 draw.
This draw finally gave Blackpool their first point of the season but left fans frustrated and bitterly disappointed as the Seasiders were leading the game 4-1 until just before the hour mark. Former Blackpool striker Shane Lavery returned to haunt his old side, scoring twice and being the man to grab the eventual equaliser in what proved to be a thrilling contest.
However, this point would give them something to build on going into their next fixture, away to Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup. After going 1-0 down early on, Blackpool dug deep, scoring twice within 5 minutes to give the Tangerines the victory, sending them into the next round of the cup competition, where a home draw to another Championship outfit, Sheffield Wednesday, awaits.
Blackpool now sit 22nd on 2 points after last weekend’s nail-biting draw at home to Wycombe Wanderers, coming from behind twice to recover a moment, with interim Keogh providing Blackpool with a much-needed boost during his temporary tenure.
Search for a New Manager
The hunt for a new manager was still on for the Seasiders, with fans hopeful that it would soon become apparent. To many people’s surprise, Ryan Lowe, former manager of Preston North End, Blackpool’s bitter rivals, was the first name to be linked to the vacant role. But Lowe was swiftly ruled out of the running. On the other hand, former Barrow manager Pete Wild appeared to be the favourite.
However, as of 11 pm on Tuesday, after a comfortable 4-1 victory against Crewe Alexandra in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, Blackpool’s search for a new manager was finally over, as experienced boss Steve Bruce put pen to paper and signed a two-year deal.
Steve Bruce Appointed as New Manager
With the club and fans all aware of his breadth of knowledge within English football, Bruce said upon arrival: “I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club… I look forward to meeting all the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.”
Owner Simon Sadler stated on Bruce’s appointment: “I’m confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool Football Club. His organised approach and desire to build a hardworking and entertaining side is a large part of what attracted us to him.”
With this news breaking, fans breathe a sigh of relief that the hunt for a new manager is over. But can Bruce give the Seasiders the turnaround they need for a successful season? Thanks to interim Keogh, Bruce could be the kick-start the players need to hit the ground running and continue their current form.