Blackpool have sacked Steve Bruce after a poor start to the League One season, a year after the veteran manager took over at Bloomfield Road.
The 64-year-old, who replaced Neil Critchley in September 2024, led Blackpool to a ninth-place finish last season, but Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by AFC Wimbledon was their seventh loss in 11 league games, leaving them second bottom.
Bruce was subjected to boos and chants from disgruntled home fans during the defeat at Bloomfield Road, after later told BBC Radio Lancashire that his side were “nowhere near what’s required … I can try and make as many excuses as I want but it’s not in my nature to do it … I need to take responsibility.”
Bruce’s assistant, Steve Agnew, and his first-team coach, Stephen Clemence, have also left the club, with Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks taking over on an interim basis until Bruce’s permanent successor is appointed.
Blackpool, who travel to seventh-placed Stockport next weekend, said in a statement: “The club would like to thank them for their efforts, and wishes them the very best for the future.”
