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Favourites to become new Blackpool manager confirmed after departure of Mick McCarthy

The favourites to become new Blackpool manager has been confirmed after the departure of Mick McCarthy announced on Saturday.

From January to the end of his tenure, he only managed two wins in 14 matches across all competitions, 1-0 at home against Stoke and that 6-1 victory at home against QPR.

Blackpool was beaten 3-1 at home by Cardiff on Friday, leaving them second bottom in the Championship table and seven points away from safety.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Blackpool Football Club can confirm Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor have both left the Club by mutual consent.

With results on the pitch not improving in recent weeks, the decision has been agreed by both parties that a change is needed.

Mick McCarthy said: “After recent performances and results, I have thought long and hard and feel this is the best decision for everyone concerned with the football club.

“I’ve loved my time here and thank everyone for their support. I wish everyone well going forward.”

The Club would like to thank both Mick and Terry for their efforts and wish them well for the future.

Senior Professional Development Lead Phase Coach Stephen Dobbie will now take charge of the first-team for the remainder of the season, assisted by Matt Blinkhorn and Steve Banks.

On the afternoon’s events, McCarthy said, as per LancLive: “It was looking grim when I came in some weeks ago, it’s just not got any better unfortunately. Losing 3-1 at home to our relegation rivals has not made it look any better, has it?

“It was very similar to last week, I thought we started well, bright and on the front foot and we created some chances, but low and behold again we managed to concede a goal. Conceding three goals in the first half, I don’t know how many times we’ve scored four but it almost put it to bed, even then at half time.

“Second half, we had a go and created some chances and scored a goal – but it’s not enough. When I came in (for half time) we had a look at all the goals we’d conceded and there seemed to be one from every aspect of play.”

On a possible fightback: “It was a lovely thought wasn’t it, when we were doing it? But they were better than us. At half time I think the game was nearly away from us, we got one back and had a couple of chances, but it was a little too late I’m afraid.

“I said I’m going to leave them all on and ‘you’re going to have to pull your finger out and get better,’ because I had picked that side to start with. I think they did. I still don’t think they lacked heart or desire, but where we are in the league it really does knock your confidence as soon as you concede a goal.”

On the games coming up: “We’re second-bottom of the league, you only get that confidence from playing well and winning games. If you are where we are, conceding how we did, it’s not going to make you feel any more confident.

“We try to win every game, we can only do that again on Monday. “I feel for the lads actually, they’re all having a go, they’re not, not trying. They are all finding it tough.

“It’s lovely when you’re a footballer, but when you’re at the bottom getting beaten, it’s horrible.”

Mick McCarthy was set to stay as interim boss for the remainder of the campaign but the Seasiders has announced he’s left by “mutual consent”.

So who to replace him? For now, temporarily, it’s development squad boss Stephen Dobbie will take charge until the end of the season, assisted by Matt Blinkhorn and Steve Banks.

But Darren Witcoop of the Sunday Mirror reports that Neil Critchley is in the frame to return back to the club he left a few years back for Aston Villa.

“Blackpool have sounded out Neil Critchley to return to Bloomfield Road for a second stint as manager, although any decision is now likely to be taken in the summer,” he wrote.

The Gazette adds that the club’s board members had been divided about bringing Critchley back, but this could now changed following recent changes.

After a tough year, the 44-year old finds himself out of work, following Steven Gerrard out at Aston Villa after which he lasted only 71 days as manager of Queens Park Rangers.

Richie Wellens, who is set to win promotion from League Two with Leyton Orient, is another being looked at while Charlie Adam, a club legend, is said to have spoken with Blackpool about the vacancy.

Leam Richardson is another under consideration. However, the process will take a good while, not only to make sure it’s the right one gut thy have until the end of the season too..

Chris Badlan, Sporting Director, is usually the one responsible for compiling this shortlist. He left the club last Wednesday however.

Twitter users reacted as the favourites to become new Blackpool manager is confirmed after the departure of Mick McCarthy…

@adamnay86: Thanks for a lifetime of memories Mick

@chris_lomas14: The fact MM walked out the job and we didn’t sack him says it all really.

@TJohnson93: Might help if you don’t pull names out of a hat blindfolded for the next appointment lads

@ryanmn84: Should never have been hired in the first place, probably the worst manager I’ve ever seen and that’s some doing after Lee Clark and Colin Hendry. Club needs a complete reset and whoever is brought in, the mindset and actions of the club need to change. The circus has to end 🍊

@joeyrex: I liked McCarthy personality wise, he had a lot more about him pre/post match than Appleton. However his tactics are outdated and the football is awful. Wish him well but right move by the club. Next appointment needs to be right.

@ALEXSHELMERDIN3: Thanks for everything mick 🫡

@KieranCraig2016: Should’ve stuck Dobbie in charge for yesterday lads

@Brett33D: Way way too late. All wrong but it’s made my day better already 😊

@J56Walsh: No, didn’t like him first time round. He knew he was going long before he left. He was distracted from the end of March, and his post preston comments were farcical. If the fan base was divided over Appleton, him coming back would show the board don’t have a clue

@liam4williams: Everyone saying no [to Critchley] is kidding themselves. If he wins the first few games back we’ll all be begging for a north stand fist pumping. Shit way to leave yes but he knows the club and how we run and he knows our passion. NC, a decent assistant and budget and we’ll go again

@SteveHembury: No. Must we always appoint previous managers? A really lazy recruitment strategy! Typical of Mansford, start earning some of that £300k. Fresh start needed, including the CEO. #MansfordOut

@seasiderelliot: If they do, it will be the 3rd time they’ve reappointed a former manager, and we know how well the last 2 went… never look back. Need a fresh face for a complete rebuild.

@joeyrex: My first choice is Ian Evatt, then Richie Wellens or Leam Richardson. If we can’t secure one of them then he’s next logical choice.

@76abbe29326a499: Definitely not did the dirty and he would do it again and for me Gary Bowyer is the man did a great job under difficult circumstances

@ScribblerKeith: No. We need someone who actually believes in this club, and Critchley never did, evidently. He’d be off as soon as someone else came calling. We need to have a bit of self respect and stop being so naive.

@Topcoach1965: Yes. The improvement of players was so obvious. Who wouldn’t go for a similar job, helping a good mate out and for considerably more money. Football is a business, not to fans but to players and coaches. You would be hard pressed to deny the guy can coach 🍊

@BradBurrowsx: If we don’t do this, because a couple of fans are stubborn. It’s a fucking joke.

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