Mick McCarthy leaves Blackpool after less than three months in charge

08 April 2023 , 09:32

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Mick McCarthy has left his role as Blackpool boss (Image: Getty Images)

Mick McCarthy has left Blackpool by mutual consent after less than three months in charge.

The 64-year-old was appointed in January with a task of keeping the Tangerines in the Championship. However, it doesn't look like McCarthy would have been able to achieve that objective.

Blackpool currently sit 23rd and have won just one of their last nine matches - which came in a 6-1 victory over QPR - and their 3-1 defeat against Cardiff on Good Friday proved to be the final straw for McCarthy. The ex-Wolves boss has decided to quit his role with the Tangerines heading for League One.

A club statement read: "Blackpool Football Club can confirm Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor have both left the Club by mutual consent. With results on the pitch not improving in recent weeks, the decision has been agreed by both parties that a change is needed."

McCarthy added: "After recent performances and results, I have thought long and hard and feel this is the best decision for everyone concerned with the football club.

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"I've loved my time here and thank everyone for their support. I wish everyone well going forward."

After being named as Blackpool's head coach on January 19 until the end of the season, McCarthy knew he had a mammoth task to turn their fortunes around - and quickly. Despite losing his first game in charge against Southampton in the FA Cup fourth-round, McCarthy's start to life at Bloomfield Road was a positive one.

Mick McCarthy has quit Blackpool (Getty Images)

Blackpool picked up hard-earned points against Huddersfield and Rotherham, while also beating Stoke inside his first five matches. But the Tangerines and McCarthy were unable to build on improved performances as they went on a torrid run of form and couldn't climb outside the relegation zone.

The thumping 6-1 win over relegation rivals QPR on March 14 was a highlight of McCarthy's reign, but noticeable heavy losses against Preston, Coventry and Cardiff followed to overshadow a bright spark in his time on the east coast. During his short time at Blackpool, McCarthy won just two of his 14 games in charge, losing nine.

That is relegation form and Blackpool are all but destined for the third tier unless they spark some kind of 'great escape' between now and the end of the season. The Tangerines are seven points adrift of 21st-place QPR with six games to play and still have to play three of the top seven, including third-place Luton.

Senior Professional Development Lead Phase Coach Stephen Dobbie will now take charge of the Tangerines for the remainder of the season as they attempt to beat the drop. Blackpool have a quick turnaround ahead of their next game and travel to Luton on Easter Monday in another huge match.

Kieran King