Blackpool sack Steve Bruce, Dobbie and Banks take interim charge

Steve Bruce has been sacked as Blackpool head coach after a poor start to the League One season, the club confirmed on Monday, a day after a 2-0 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon left the Seasiders second from bottom. The 64 year old, who took charge at Bloomfield Road in September 2024, was dismissed along with assistant head coach Steve Agnew and first-team coach Stephen Clemence. Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks will take interim charge until a permanent replacement is appointed.

The decision follows a run of seven defeats in 11 league games that left Blackpool 23rd in the third tier with eight points from their opening 11 matches. Home fans booed during Saturday’s loss, an outcome Bruce acknowledged when speaking to local radio. "I can try and make as many excuses as I want but it is not in my nature to do it," he said. "Today we were nowhere near what is required of what we need to be, and for that I need to take responsibility."

The club issued a statement announcing Bruce’s departure and thanking him and his coaching staff for their efforts, while confirming the interim appointments. The changes come as Blackpool prepare for a run of fixtures that will test the new temporary...