Blackpool’s search for a new manager is set to continue after they were turned down by two of their main targets.
The Seasiders have been without a boss since dismissing Simon Grayson earlier this month, but they appear to have been rebuffed by two managers in the last 24 hours.
Former Tangerines midfielder Ritchie Wellens has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the Wiltshire side after they turned down an approach for his services. Wellens took over at the County Ground last season and has ensured that the Robins are amongst the teams hunting promotion out of League Two.
Oxford United were rocked earlier in the week when Blackpool put in a request to speak to their manager Karl Robinson without his knowledge. Robinson is currently sitting just outside the play-off places in League One with the Us, something that doubtless attracted Blackpool, but the approach was rebuffed and Robinson assured supporters he was staying put.
“Am I flattered (by the approach)? 100 per cent, it was a club that was in the Premier League not too long ago,” Robinson told the Oxford Mail.
“I’ve got a job to do and a long contract here,” he continued. “I’ve always said there will be a day I walk out, because that’s what managers do.
“But we have so much more excitement to put into the place and so much more rebuilding left to do.”
Blackpool will now have to resort to Plan C in their hunt for a new face, with Rochdale’s Brian Barry-Murphy one name still in the frame.
Our View
How embarrassing is the Oxford approach? Surely, they should have had an idea of whether Robinson would want a move or not, shouldn’t they?
We get why they might want him, but it seems a little rash to throw a random request in. Wellens is a bit different, he has a reputation in Lancashire and would be a great appointment, but he’s doing good things with Swindon.
Where do they go now? Nathan Jones? Barry-Murphy? Or another face? Whoever it is, given their current form, it might be wise to get a move on and make an appointment.
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