Simon Sadler's previous six Blackpool appointments - with ex-Newcastle United, Wolves and Leeds United figures all failing
Blackpool are on the search for a new manager following the sacking of Steve Bruce.
Blackpool owner Simon Sadler once again finds himself under pressure to appoint the right head coach to take the club forward.
The Seasiders parted ways with Steve Bruce last weekend following a difficult start to the campaign - which has seen them lose seven of their opening 11 League One outings.
Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks are overseeing preparations for Saturday’s game away to Stockport County, with the pair in interim charge until a permanent appointment is made.
Since buying the Fylde Coast outfit in 2019, Sadler has overseen six different appointments, but only one promotion has come during that time.
Here’s a look at the previous managers under the current owner:
Simon Grayson (2019)
There’s been a theme of reappointing old managers in recent years, and this started with Simon Grayson.
After finishing his playing career at Bloomfield Road, and completing the transition over to coaching, the 55-year-old guided the Seasiders to League One promotion in 2007 during his first spell in charge.
Following his initial departure 18 months later, Grayson went on to manage the likes of Leeds United, Sunderland and Preston North End.
His return to Blackpool wasn’t a successful one, and the now-Hartlepool United boss was sacked in February 2020 following a poor string of results.
Neil Critchley (2020)
Neil Critchley arrived on the Fylde Coast in February 2020 - just before the first Covid-19 lockdown.
The ex-Liverpool coach’s first full season with the Seasiders resulted in promotion to the Championship, following a play-off final victory over Lincoln City at Wembley.
Meanwhile, the following campaign saw the club compete well in the Championship on the whole.
Critchley departed in the summer of 2022 to become Steve Gerrard’s assistant at Aston Villa - which didn’t last too long.
Michael Appleton (2022)
The decision to appoint Michael Appleton as Critchley’s replacement was a strange given that he was already an unpopular figure due to his sudden departure just under a decade before following a brief stint in charge.
It’s safe to say, the gamble of appointing him again didn’t go to plan, with the now-Shrewsbury Town being sacked in the January after his arrival.
Mick McCarthy (2023)
Experienced manager Mick McCarthy was appointed as Blackpool boss in January 2023, with his lengthy CV including stints with the likes of Wolves, Ipswich Town and the Republic of Ireland.
The 66-year-old didn’t have the desired impact at Bloomfield Road in the face of Championship relegation, with just two victories coming his way in 14 games, with his departure coming before the conclusion of the season.
Neil Critchley (2023)
Like Appleton 12 months before, the reappointment of Critchley was certainly divisive. While the 46-year-old had been a hit during his time at Bloomfield Road, the way he had exited had left a bitter taste in the mouth of some.
After an up and down season, his side missed out on a place in the League One play-offs in the final days of the 2023/24 campaign, and was sacked just two league matches last August.
Steve Bruce (2024)
Steve Bruce arrived on the Fylde Coast last September as Critchley’s replacement, with the job marking his return to management after nearly two-years out of the game - which came after tough stints with both Newcastle United and West Brom.
His time with Blackpool began with four wins on the bounce, and proved to be his brightest period at the helm.
In the months after, the experienced coach suffered a personal tragedy away from football, while his return after a period off saw him face an injury crisis.
The Seasiders ultimately finished last season well out of the play-off picture, but with some positive signs along the way to build on.
The summer saw the ex-Magpies boss heavily backed, and expectations were high heading into the campaign, despite the disappointment of the last two months.
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