Three things for Steve Bruce to quickly address as Blackpool head coach

The 63-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Bloomfield, and replaces Neil Critchley - who was sacked two games into the new League One season.

Bruce brings his long-term assistant Steve Agnew with him to the Fylde Coast, while Richard Keogh, Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks will make up the rest of his coaching team.

The experienced manager will take charge of training at Squires Gate this week, with his first game in charge of the Seasiders set to be the home fixture against Exeter City on September 14.

With Blackpool yet to win a league game this season, there’ll be some things for Bruce to quickly address.

Here’s a look at three of the main issues for the new Seasiders boss:

Get the defence in order

Blackpool have looked too soft at the back so far this season, and should be a priority for Bruce to fix.

Certain individuals have let themselves down, with far too many individual errors proving costly.

In both Neil Critchley’s final match and Keogh’s first as interim head coach, once one goal went in, heads just dropped, and the Seasiders couldn’t get momentum back in their favour.

Theoretically, Bruce should be equipped to tighten things up, but will need to do it quickly, with 11 goals going in against them in four league games.

Both of Keogh’s games in League One ended in draws, and after both they would’ve been disappointed it wasn’t more, for different reasons.

In the fixture away to Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium, Blackpool were ahead 4-1, before drawing 4-4.

Meanwhile, in the recent home outing against Wycombe Wanderers, the Seasiders dominated for long periods, but still found themselves behind on two occasions.

Ensure the attack is right

A problem that led to Critchley’s departure was a lack of bite in attack, with Blackpool struggling particularly on the road last season.

If teams set up a certain way, then the Seasiders weren’t flexible enough in what they were doing to break them down - especially if Jordan Rhodes wasn’t about.

During Keogh’s interim spell, a bit more freedom for the attackers proved beneficial, with 12 goals scored in his four games in all competitions.

The talent is certainly there to enjoy success in front of goal, it just needs to be harnessed in the right way - while also not leaving the defence too open.

Bruce will need to address this, and find the right balance. He can’t afford to be too conservative and leave the forwards looking toothless, but perhaps he will provide a bit more structure.

Finding the right formation

Another problem that led to Critchley’s departure was his style of play and how he set the team up.

The style of football didn’t provide entertainment, and the formation didn’t seem to suit everyone in the squad.

Throughout the summer, the club invested in some players to match Critchley’s style, so Bruce’s job will be trying to fit everyone in where they are most comfortable.

A lot of supporters will be keen to see Blackpool play four at the back again, with many fed up with the wing-back system.

He also needs to find a way to get the best out of certain individuals.

Rob Apter has enjoyed a bright start to the campaign, so Bruce will need to assess how he can play to the 21-year-old’s strengths, among others.

Another example of this, is Kyle Joseph - who has played some of his best football as part of a back three in the two league games under Keogh.

It will be vital to use the build-up to the Exeter game to put a stamp on how things are going to look going forward.