Blackpool have appointed Michael Appleton as the club's new Head Coach and successor to Neil Critchley.
The 46-year-old has returned to Bloomfield Road for a second spell in charge of the Seasiders. Appleton had been out of work after departing League One side Lincoln City earlier this summer.
The Seasiders are Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt's old side. The Whites manager had featured in the odds for the vacant post which has now been filled, but the likes of Appleton, Liam Rosenior and Michael Duff were often the more likely candidates.
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Blackpool yesterday denied reports suggesting Derby County assistant boss Rosenior had been offered and turned down the role. The job has now been given to former Manchester United trainee Appleton, who has agreed a contract at Bloomfield Road until the summer of 2026.
Appleton came through the youth team ranks at Old Trafford and made just one appearance for the club in the League Cup. He represented Wimbledon, Lincoln City, Grimsby Town, Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion before being forced to retire aged 27 due to injury.
He takes over at Blackpool for the second time in his managerial career. He has also managed West Brom and Leicester City in caretaker capacities, as well as Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United and Lincoln.
On the appointment, Blackpool owner Simon Sadler said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Michael back to Blackpool. I am very much looking forward to seeing what he can achieve during his second stint with us. Whilst success cannot be guaranteed, Ben, Brett, John and I are convinced that, after a thorough recruitment process, he’s the right man for us at this point in our journey.
“All of the prospective head coaches were strong candidates and we spent several hours with each to get to know them better. After debating their individual pros and cons, we were unanimous in our decision to choose Michael Appleton.”
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