John Stephenson to 'step down' from role as Blackpool's head of football operations - reports

Football Insider claims the Seasiders are now on the lookout for a new director of football, with a list of targets already drawn up.

It’s also claimed the club are now beginning the process of talking to prospective candidates to identify the right person to work alongside head coach Michael Appleton.

It’s not yet known why Stephenson has taken the decision to step away from his role.

The Gazette has approached the club for comment.

The news comes nearly two years to the day since Stephenson first adopted the role at Bloomfield Road in 2020.

Stephenson has 26 years of experience working in professional football, having held similar positions at Sheffield United, Watford and Brighton.

Having started out in youth and academy football with the likes of Reading and Celtic, he's also held several high-profile consultancy roles.

Upon announcing his appointment, the Seasiders said Stephenson would “oversee and support the club's football operations, ranging from recruitment to the continued integration of the academy system”.

Chief executive Ben Mansford added: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract someone of John’s expertise and experience.

"John is well known throughout the footballing world. He has a proven track record for strategising, implementing processes and unifying football related services to produce a cohesive football operations department to support managers, head coaches and academy directors.

"John will be able to provide guidance to the board and support the manager and Ciaran Donnelly as we all work together to continue taking the club forward.”