Blackpool have dismissed Steve Bruce as manager after a poor start to the League One season, just a year after he took charge at Bloomfield Road. The 64-year-old replaced Neil Critchley in September 2024 and led the club to a ninth-place finish last term, 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 frustrated home fans during the defeat. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire after the match, he said his side were 'nowhere near what's required' and that he needed to take responsibility, adding he could 'try and make as many excuses as I want but it's not in my nature to do it'.
Bruce's assistant manager Steve Agnew and first-team coach Stephen Clemence have also left the club. Stephen Dobbie and Steve Banks will take charge on an interim basis until a permanent successor is appointed.
Blackpool, who travel to seventh-placed Stockport next weekend, released a statement thanking the trio for their efforts and wishing them well for the future.
