New club secretary arrives from Burnley as Blackpool shake up backroom team at Bloomfield Road

Nick Horne, who previously worked as head of academy administration and operations at Premier League side Burnley, is now listed on the club’s staff directory on the official website.

He replaces Steve Edwards, who departed the club earlier in the year.

Edwards, who previously held a similar role at Fleetwood Town, was promoted to the position of interim secretary in 2018 having previously worked in youth team administration.

His replacement Horne, who previously worked as an administrator for the Lancashire FA, has also spent five years with Bolton Wanderers.

The Seasiders’ restructure behind the scenes continues apace, with an announcement on the club’s new assistant head coach expected this week.

Neil Critchley’s new number two will work closely with David Dunn, who remains first-team coach at Blackpool having previously overseen four games as caretaker boss following Simon Grayson’s sacking in February.

The former Blackburn Rovers and England midfielder only arrived at the club at the start of 2020 to join Grayson’s backroom staff.

The backroom shake-up has seen long-standing physio Phil Horner recently leave his role at the club after 20 years.

The 53-year-old, who also played for the Seasiders during his playing career, departed at the start of June.

He said: “I have a big affiliation with Blackpool after the length of time I’ve been here and that will always be the case.

“I have so many fantastic memories and have worked with some very good managers, coaches, players and people.

“I think now is a good time for a change, though. I’m planning to do a bit more private physiotherapy at the clinic and also get more of a work-life balance."

Horner, whose replacement is expected to be announced soon, was a member of the Blackpool team which won promotion from the old Division Four via the play-offs in 1992.

In his role as physio, he would play a part in four more successful play-off campaigns, including the club's glorious rise to the Premier League a decade ago.

Performance analyst Nathan Salmon has also left the club, announcing his departure on social media on June 11.

“My time at Blackpool FC has come to an end after three enjoyable years,” he posted.

“It has been a great pleasure working there with the amazing players and staff.

“The homecoming will always be the special moment that I won’t forget. Honestly the best atmosphere I have witnessed!”