Mick McCarthy has stepped down from his role as manager of Championship strugglers Blackpool after a tenure of less than three months. The decision was made following a 3-1 home defeat to Cardiff on Friday, leaving Blackpool second bottom of the table and seven points from safety. In a statement, McCarthy said: “I have thought long and hard and feel this is the best decision for everyone concerned with the football club.” His assistant manager, Terry Connor, has also left, and development coach Stephen Dobbie will take charge of the team until the end of the season.
McCarthy was appointed as manager in January, succeeding Michael Appleton. He had to wait six games for his first win, a 1-0 home victory over Stoke in mid-February. However, Blackpool won only one of their next eight games – a 6-1 thrashing of QPR – with Friday’s loss against Cardiff their third successive defeat. A club statement read: “With results on the pitch not improving in recent weeks, the decision has been agreed by both parties that a change is needed.”
Blackpool have six games remaining in the season, beginning with a trip to play-off contenders Luton on Monday. With the team in a precarious position, it is hoped that the new management team can steer them away from the relegation zone and ensure their survival in the Championship.