Mick McCarthy says he has taken on a 'tough old gig' after being appointed Blackpool manager - but the former Sunderland boss insists he can steer the Seasiders out of relegation danger. Following the sacking of Michael Appleton on Wednesday, McCarthy has been confirmed as Blackpool boss until the end of the season and takes over with the Tangerines next-to-bottom of the Championship, just one point above basement side Wigan and three points from safety.
The 63-year-old takes over a Blackpool side that has won just one of its last nin league games, prompting Appleton's dismissal. Ex-Republic of Ireland, Ipswich, and Wolves boss McCarthy had been out of work since he left Cardiff City in October 2021 and he says he is happy to be back working again.
"It feels great to be here,", said McCarthy said in an interview with Tangerine TV. "It feels great to be back in the game and at a club where I've had plenty of games – some good, some bad and some indifferent, but always enjoyable.
READ MORE: Sunderland can take advantage of this season's Championship level playing field, says Tony Mowbray
"I want to get back in the game, I've been out of the game for 12 months. I guess I have a bit of history inheriting teams when they've just had a bit of a struggle and managed to get them out of that.
"Hopefully that will be the same again. When we stay up we can all be happy and make it look like a good decision.
"Everyone will have an opinion on it, but I have got experience of getting teams out of trouble when they're at the bottom of the league. It's an enjoyable job, but it's a tough old gig.
"I've had over 1,000 games in football and I've got mates in the game who tell me I'm mad, that I'm off my head going back in but no, I want to go back in because I love it. I love being on the training ground, my assistant Terry [Connor] is desperate to get back in and we've been out for over 12 months now.
"That's a long time, it's too long, so I'm thrilled to be back in."
Sunderland have already faced Blackpool home and away in the league this season, with the game ending goalless on Wearside in October and then the sides drew 1-1 in the return game at Bloomfield Road on New Year's Day. McCarthy spent three years in charge of Sunderland, taking over in March 2003 with the club already on course for relegation from the Premier League.
He took the club to the second tier play-off semi-finals in his first full season in charge, and then secured promotion after winning the Championship in 2004-05. But after a miserable season in the Premier League, McCarthy was sacked in March 2006 with the club again on course for relegation.
READ NEXT:
- Sunderland's game at Preston moved as date for final round of Championship fixtures confirmed
- Sunderland's Bailey Wright linked with a January reunion with former Black Cats boss in Scotland
- Sunderland transfer target reportedly closing in on a return to his former club
- 'All-action midfielder' Pierre Ekwah insight as Sunderland target loan move for West Ham star
- Michael Carrick says North East football is in a good place ahead of Sunderland derby clash
