"I'm astonished" - Pundit reacts to Blackpool, Steve Bruce news | OneFootball

The former Sunderland boss was hired as the new Tangerines manager earlier this week

Former Swindon Town man Sam Parkin believes Steve Bruce could be a success after taking over at Blackpool earlier in the week.

The former Newcastle United was appointed as the new man to take charge at Bloomfield Road earlier in the week, having been out of work since he left West Bromwich Albion over two years ago.

The former Manchester United defender replaces departing boss Neil Critchley, who was axed by the Seasiders after just three matches of the 24/25 season.

And despite Bruce taking some time out of the game recently, Parkin believes he can come in and be a success on the north-west coast, given his previous credentials.

Pundit shocked by Steve Bruce appointment but backs him for Blackpool success

Bruce inherits a Blackpool side that are yet to win in the league this season, with just two points to their name after the first four matches of the campaign.

The Tangerines have won three games in cup competitions, but are yet to transfer that form into the league, with defeats to Crawley Town and Stockport County followed up by draws with Cambridge United and Wycombe Wanderers.

As a result, the former Premier League side have decided on a change of approach, with Bruce the man tasked with turning things around at Bloomfield Road.

With former Aston Villa man David Downes now Sporting Director at the club, Bruce has been trusted by a familiar face to thrive in the role, and turn fortunes around in the season ahead.

While the appointment was met by widespread bewilderment, Parkin believes the ex-Birmingham City boss could be a success once he gets his feet under the table in his new surroundings.

Speaking on the What the EFL?! podcast, Parkin said: “I think it is easy to steam in, but when you think of the club that he is going in to, and what he has achieved, you have to take bit of a step back and see how it goes.

“I’m astonished really, they’re just addicted to it aren’t they, he doesn’t need to do it does he, I’m sure he has a nice life and enjoying a to of downtime with the family.

“But to think that he is going to back in it on the touchline, in some less than glamorous away spots on Tuesday nights is just incredible.

“They can’t stop scoring goals can they, Blackpool? They’re getting bang for their buck at the moment, the supporters.

“He inherits a decent squad, he’ll probably get the structure of the team and defensively get them sound. We will see how it goes.”

Pundit offers Steve Bruce worry after Blackpool appointment

Co-host Adrian Clarke didn’t quite share the same view on the Bruce appointment, with the most prominent worry being about the new appointment’s knowledge of his new surroundings.

Having been out of work for the past two years, Clarke believes the new Blackpool boss will take some time to adapt to League One football, as well as his own squad.

Clarke said: “He’s going to have to back himself, and he’s going to have to lean on the guys that are already there.

“I thought he had retired, and I think maybe he felt in his own head that he had retired.

“It’s a couple of years out of work, how closely has he followed League One in particular? That’s what I would be asking I was looking to employ Steve Bruce, so he is going to have to rely on the current knowledge of guys like Richard Keogh and Steven Dobbie.

“I know the sporting director David Downes is someone he knew from Aston Villa, so that’s the link, but how hands on is he in terms of knowledge of the current squad and the teams he is going to come up against.”