Blackpool appoint Bruce as new head coach

League One side Blackpool have appointed Steve Bruce as their new head coach on a two-year deal.

The 63-year-old had been out of work since being sacked by West Bromwich Albion in October 2022 following a nine-month spell in charge.

Bruce has managed more than 1,000 competitive matches for clubs including Birmingham City, Hull City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

He takes over after the Tangerines sacked Neil Critchley on 21 August having started their campaign with back-to-back defeats.

Bruce's long-term assistant Steve Agnew will join him at Bloomfield Road, along with coaches Richard Keogh, Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks.

“I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club," Bruce told the club website.

“I’d like to thank Simon, Julian and David for giving me this great opportunity. I look forward to meeting all of the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.”