'Exciting times:' Ex-Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers boss offers views on the Seasiders' latest appointment - as he shares touch of class

The 63-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Bloomfield Road, and is joined by long-term assistant Steve Agnew, while Richard Keogh and Stephen Dobbie will act as first-team coaches.

Bowyer knows what it’s like to experience success on the Fylde Coast, having guided Blackpool to League Two play-off success in 2017, and believes Bruce can have a positive impact on the current squad.

“After his time at Newcastle and then West Brom - he’s gone away, probably thought about retirement, and then realised he’s still got so much left to give,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire on Tuesday night after commentating on the Seasiders’ 4-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy.

“The Blackpool players will really benefit from his experience in the game and the number of games he’s managed.

“It’s a good set up, with a good mix of experience and young coaches coming in, it’s exciting times for Blackpool now.

“There’s a good blend. These lads nowadays are different, so you need someone who can relate to them.

“I would imagine the Blackpool fans will be excited by this appointment. It galvanises the club, they’ve got the clarity now, there’s no game this weekend so the manager can come in and put his ideas across.

“Steve is a fantastic human being. When I got sacked by Blackburn, he rang me three weeks later and just said ‘get yourself on holiday, recharge, and get ready to go again.’

“He always stayed with me. He’s a people’s person. He will be wanting to get in here now to work with the players.

“He’s an infectious character, and just loves his football. He will want to give that knowledge to this squad. I bet he can’t wait to get in.”