Ian Holloway has been linked with a sensational return to former club Blackpool following the shock exit of manager Gary Bowyer who left the League One club just one game into the new season.
Bowyer announced his surprise departure early on Monday night, just 48 hours after the club’s opening day goalless draw with League One opponents Wycombe. Terry McPhillips has been placed in charge of the Seasiders on a caretaker capacity and also features in the betting for the permanent position at 6/1.
However, it’s Holloway who has been installed as the early favourite to succeed Bowyer, which is sure to get tongues wagging at Bloomfield Road.
Holloway managed Blackpool between 2009 and 2012 during which he became the first boss to lead the club into the Premier League, something he then described as the best achievement in his life.
Holloway left the club to take charge of Crystal Palace, then Millwall and most recently QPR, with whom he left in May - with Steve McClaren coming over in the opposite direction - meaning he’s currently unemployed. However, whether a return is likely under the current regime is open to debate.
Another interesting name in the frame is the ex Ipswich Town gaffer Mick McCarthy, who is looking for a way back into management having left The Tractor Boys back in April. Keith Curle, Darren Ferguson and Paul Heckingbottom also feature in the betting at this early stage in proceedings.
In a statement, the club’s now former boss Bowyer said:
“It has been a pleasure to manage Blackpool Football Club over the past two years and there are many people I wish to express my thanks to.
“Firstly, all the staff at the club who continue to go above and beyond to support the team. The players, whose efforts and commitment have played a massive part in achieving promotion in the 2016/17 season and gaining a top half finish in League 1 last season. To my football staff, your support loyalty and incredible work ethic has been fantastic, your willingness to go that extra mile for the good of the club will never be forgotten.
“I’m extremely grateful to the Board for giving me the opportunity to manage such an historic football club and finally, I would like to thank the supporters, your unbelievable passion and support of both the team and myself will stay with me forever.
“I wish Blackpool Football Club all the best for this coming season and every success in the future.”
