League One Blackpool have sacked Head Coach Steve Bruce, assistant head coach Steve Agnew and First-Team Coach Stephen Clemence, after their defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
Bruce took over at the Seasiders in September 2024 from former boss Neil Critchley. In his first season at the club he somewhat steadied the ship, but missed out on the play-offs with a ninth placed finish. Optimism was high going into the 2025/26 campaign that the experienced coach would be able to use his connections to assist in the transfer market.
However, after just 13 games, Blackpool have recorded just three wins, two in the league and one in the EFL Trophy. They were knocked out of the EFL Cup at the hands of Port Vale and sit 23rd in the League One table, with only the struggling Peterborough United below them.
Blackpool Sack Steve Bruce
In a short statement on the club’s website just hours after the final result Blackpool confirmed the news.
“Blackpool Football Club can announce the departure of Head Coach Steve Bruce, Assistant Head Coach Steve Agnew and First-Team Coach Stephen Clemence.”
“The Club would like to thank them for their efforts, and wishes them the very best for the future.”
“Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks will take charge of first-team matters until a permanent appointment is confirmed.”
Who Could Replace Steve Bruce?
Discussing the news League One Lowdown’s Sam Griffin speculated that Ian Evatt would be the obvious choice to take charge of Blackpool.
Also picked out were former Notts County boss Luke Williams and former Reading manager Ruben Selles, but pointed out that there may well have to be a change of style to accommodate these.
Blackpool next face Stockport County in what will likely prove to be a difficult encounter.