The six ex-Blackpool players who will be managing in the EFL next season- with 669 Seasiders appearances between them
A number of former Blackpool players are set to be managing in the EFL next season.
The Seasiders are set to come up against two of their former representatives in League One, while other former figures hold positions in the Championship and League Two.
One name in particular stands out, due to their recent involvement in the Premier League.
Here’s the six ex-Blackpool players currently in EFL jobs:
Rob Edwards
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards was with the Seasiders between 2008 and 2011, during which time he was part of the team that reached the Premier League under Ian Holloway.
Following 67 appearances for the club, he departed Bloomfield Road for Barnsley in 2011 before hanging up his boots two years later.
As a coach, his CV includes stints with Forest Green Rovers, Watford and England U16s.
Ian Evatt
Ex-Blackpool defender Ian Evatt has been Bolton Wanderers head coach since 2020, after previously spending time with Barrow.
The 42-year-old has recently received backing from the Trotters hierarchy after losing the League One play-off to Oxford United at Wembley.
As a player, Evatt was at Bloomfield Road between 2006 and 2013, making a total of 254 appearances after initially joining the club on loan.
Like Edwards, he was part of the Seasiders team that reached the Premier League.
Richie Wellens
Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens was at Bloomfield Road as a player between 2000 and 2005, making 174 appearances following his move from Manchester United.
Since hanging up his boots in 2017, the 44-year-old has been with Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town, Salford City and Doncaster Rovers.
He made the move to Brisbane Road in 2022, and helped the London club to promotion from League Two.
Paul Simpson
Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson joined Blackpool from Wolves in 2000, and remained with the club for 18 months featuring 37 times.
As a manager, he’s coached the likes of Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town and Stockport County, and has been with the Cumbrians since 2022.
Michael Flynn
Michael Flynn has recently been appointed as the new manager of Cheltenham Town, having been out of work since January following his dismissal at Swindon Town.
As a player, he initially joined Blackpool on loan in 2004, before later returning permanently between 2007 and 2008- making 39 appearances.
Charlie Adam
Charlie Adam has spent the last six months as Fleetwood Town manager, but couldn’t stop the Cod Army from being relegated from League One.
As a player, the 38-year-old will be fondly remembered for his time at Bloomfield Road. After initially joining the Seasiders on loan, he made the move permanent, scoring 34 times and providing 22 assists in 98 appearances.
After impressing in the Premier League, he left Blackpool for Liverpool in 2011, and later played for the likes of Stoke and Reading.