'Take care of itself' - Blackpool FC coach makes position clear on future ambitions

Blackpool coach Stephen Dobbie has tasted life in the top job at Bloomfield Road on a couple of occasions.

During his playing career, the 43-year-old enjoyed four separate loan stints with the Seasiders, and was part of the squad that clinched promotion to the Premier League in 2010.

After hanging up his boots, he returned to Squires Gate in 2022 to work with the club’s academy, but has since progressed to a first-team role.

The former forward’s journey as a coach has also seen him experience two spells as interim boss on the Fylde Coast.

Following Mick McCarthy’s departure in April 2023, Dobbie saw out the remainder of Blackpool's Championship campaign - which ended in relegation.

The struggles of another experienced manager presented another opportunity for the popular Seasiders figure to step up once again last November.

After serving under Steve Bruce, Dobbie took over the reins following the 65-year-old’s sacking, prior to the appointment of Ian Evatt.

Upon the return of his former teammate, the ex-Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers figure resumed his previous position.

When asked if he’d ever pursue being a number one full time in a recent interview, he said: “That might come further down the line, but right now I’m enjoying it under the manager. He’s had fresh ideas coming in, and I’m learning every day from him.

“He’s been a manager for quite a while, but all of the staff are learning from each other. The most important thing is, there’s not a right or wrong answer, we’re all open and can give our own opinions, then it comes down to the gaffer to make his decisions.

“I’m loving it. It’s been a long off-season, and I can’t wait to get back and get started. There’s been too much house work and too many dog walks, I need to get back to thinking about real football.

“The future will take care of itself, but right now it’s about getting back to work and helping Blackpool get back to where we want to get to.”