Michael Appleton opens up on next steps after Blackpool sacking | OneFootball

Michael Appleton has broken his silence since his sacking by Blackpool earlier this month, revealing he’s open to what his next role might be.

The 47-year-old was given the axe after overseeing a 10-game winless run in the league, which left the Seasiders in 23rd place in the Championship table.

Appleton appeared on BBC Radio Five Live ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup action and spoke at length about his role at Blackpool and what his next steps might be.

Whilst not revealing too much about his sacking, Appleton did reveal some disappointment regarding his sacking, saying: “You’re going to be frustrated when you lose your job, especially off the back of such a positive display a couple of weeks back against Nottingham Forest.”

Appleton is keen to get his teeth into another job, despite being sacked just three weeks ago by the Tangerines, whether that’s as a manager, coach, or even higher up.

“I’ve got such an open mind going into the next venture I take because I’m happy coaching, I’ve been assistant manager in the Premier League with two clubs over a three-year spell. I’ve done the management.

“But I’ve also done a Masters in Sports Directorship, so I’ve got such an open mind. Whether it’s a coaching role or a managing role, whether it’s going into more of a senior role.

“I think I’m at that point in my career now as a 47-year-old man who’s happy to take on the next venture.”

Appleton has so far struggled as a manager in the Championship, with his spells at Blackburn and Blackpool failing to live up to expectation.

His record in League One though is much more favourable, with Oxford and Lincoln both in the promotion picture in his spells as manager with each club.

Think you’re a hardcore Blackpool FC fan? Try score 20/20 on this quiz all about the club

1 of 20

In which year were the club formed?

1883 1885 1887 1889

The Verdict

Appleton clearly has pedigree as a coach having held roles at both Leicester City and West Brom in recent years as a number two.

For one reason or another however, he was up against at Blackpool and that showed with his relationship with supporters.

It didn’t help that Neil Critchley, his predecessor, outperformed expectations in a short period of time. But his record this season speaks for itself meaning his next move for Appleton is an important one.