FORMER IRELAND BOSS MICK MCCARTHY has claimed he is 'delighted to be back in the game' after he was announced as the Head Coach of Blackpool Football Club for the remainder of the season.
The two-time Ireland manager had been out of work since leaving Cardiff City in 2021 by mutual consent, but brings a wealth of experience to the role and knows the Championship a lot better than most.
The 63-year-old has managed the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ipswich Town, Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia, Sunderland, and had second stint as Ireland boss from 2018 to 2020.
The former Ireland defender also guided Wolves (2008/09) and Sunderland (2004/05) out the Championship. He managed to win the league on separate occasions with those clubs.
Terry Connor his long-time assistant will also join McCarthy at Bloomfield Road this season.
Blackpool Football Club is delighted to announce Mick McCarthy as our new Head Coach.
🍊 #UTMPhttps://t.co/LS2cK9wJsL pic.twitter.com/H9JQe8dQOD— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) January 19, 2023
Speaking about his new role in a statement he said, "I'm delighted to be here, I'm delighted to be back in the game."
"I'm thrilled to be back up at a Club where I've had many battles in the past and hopefully, we can achieve some of the similar success of those years."
Chief Executive Ben Mansford added, “We believe appointing Mick gives us that opportunity. Mick has extensive experience at the highest level including over 700 games at Premier League and Championship level, along with recently taking on a similar challenge at Cardiff.
“From the initial contact with Mick, you sensed an excitement to come to Blackpool yet a calmness and confidence about the job ahead. Mick referred to our superb support from the first conversation and how important the fans will be for the remaining 19 games, starting against Huddersfield on Saturday.”
The former Ireland boss will now be tasked with leading the club away from the relegation places. The club are 23rd having taken just 26 points from 27 matches this season.
His first game if appointed will be the Championship fixture against Huddersfield, which takes place this Saturday at 15.00.
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