Appleton named new Pool boss

Blackpool have unveiled Michael Appleton as the club`s new manager.

Appleton, the former Manchester United, Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion midfielder, arrives at Bloomfield Road just days before his first anniversary in charge of Portsmouth.

Appleton served as a member of the West Brom coaching staff under Roberto Di Matteo and Roy Hodgson, having been taken on when a knee injury curtailed his playing career at the Hawthorns in 2003. He was placed in charge of the youth set up for the Baggies, and rose through the ranks to become assistant to Di Matteo, followed shortly by the caretaker manager role ahead of the appointment of current England manager Hodgson.

He left the club to take charge of Portsmouth last year, and was set to guide Pompey to safety until the club`s financial woes led to a ten point deduction, leaving Portsmouth in an unsalvageable position.

Having been forced to sell his entire first team squad over the summer, Appleton had set about rebuilding the team, guiding the south coast side to 17th in League 1. He arrives at Bloomfield Road with Blackpool placed 12th in the Championship after caretaker Steve Thompson guided them to their first win in a month at Sheffield Wednesday last night.

Appleton`s first game in charge will be the visit of Bolton Wanderers for a Lancashire derby on Saturday.