Gary Bowyer appointed Blackpool manager on one-year deal

Gary Bowyer has been appointed as the new manager of Blackpool, the League Two club announced on Wednesday.

Former Blackburn Rovers boss Bowyer replaces Neil McDonald at Bloomfield Road. 

The 44 year-old, who enjoyed a playing career with Nottingham Forest, Hereford United and Rotherham United, has joined the Seasiders on a one-year rolling deal. 

Bowyer guided Rovers to eighth and ninth place finishes in the Championship in his first two seasons in charge at Ewood Park.

However, he was sacked last November after a poor start to the league campaign and replaced with former Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert.

"Blackpool Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Bowyer as manager on a one-year rolling deal," read a statement released on the club's website.

"His affiliation with Blackburn Rovers first started back in 2004 when he moved from Derby County to oversee the under-18s and nurture the club's academy talents.

"He later became reserve team manager and led the side to the final of the Premier Reserve League against Chelsea in 2010-11, on the back of winning the Premier Reserve League North title.

"Bowyer had previously impressed during two caretaker spells at Ewood Park, having gone unbeaten in a four-game stint in charge, before steering the club away from relegation troubles in the same season.

"Highly regarded in the game of football, Bowyer replaces Neil McDonald as manager at Bloomfield Road."

Bowyer becomes the Tangerines' sixth manager in three-and-a-half years and will be expected to guide the club back to the third tier of English football following consecutive relegations.