Less than a year since taking charge, Paul Ince has been sacked as manager of Blackpool following a poor run of results.
The former England international was appointed as Tangerines boss on February 18 last season, with the ultimate task of leading the Lancashire side into the Premier League. During his debut season he led them to a 15th place finish, but optimism was high for at least a playoff spot in his first full campaign.
And after winning five of their opening six matches the Seasiders topped the table briefly, but Ince has paid the price for a torrid run of results which has seen them collect just one point since November during a run of nine defeats in 10 matches. The 46-year-old was relieved of his duties on Tuesday afternoon, reportedly by text message, and Barry Ferguson has been placed in caretaker charge.
A club statement said: “Blackpool Football Club can confirm that manager Paul Ince and assistants Alex Rae and Steve Thompson have had their contracts terminated with immediate effect. Barry Ferguson will take charge of training when the players return on Thursday. A further announcement will be made in due course.”
Blackpool’s latest defeat in their woeful run, a 2-0 reverse at bottom club Barnsley, leaves them in 14th position, eight points above the relegation zone and nine off a top-six berth. Ferguson’s first game in charge will come on Saturday afternoon, when third-bottom Doncaster Rovers visit Bloomfield Road.
