Former Blackpool, Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town man lands managerial role

A former Blackpool striker has taken charge of their League One rivals after the latest sacking in the English Football League.

Bristol Rovers sacked Joey Barton on Thursday afternoon after nearly three-years at the Memorial Stadium, and have named ex-Tangerines striker Andy Mangan as caretaker boss.

The 37-year-old began his playing career at Bloomfield Road, and also played for Lancashire rivals Fleetwood Town, whom later he went on to work at as first-team coach alongside Barton. Mangan has been placed in charge of the Gas until further notice and begins his reign as caretaker manager on Saturday when they face Northampton Town at the Memorial Stadium.

“We can’t dwell on the past, we have to move forward now,” said Mangan after taking on the role.

“The group will move forward pretty quick and it’s about Saturday. It’s about Northampton, we have to give the lads a clear plan and clear instructions so they understand how we’re going to break them down. We just need to move forward.”

Bristol Rovers have plenty of time to find a replacement for Barton before they face Blackpool. The West Country-based outfit travel to Blackpool on Saturday, December 23, and their new boss will have likely had plenty of time to get his feet under the table.

As to who could replace Barton remains to be seen but amongst the betting odds is Championship play-off winning boss Ian Holloway. The 60-year-old is third favourite in the betting markets for the odds despite not managing for three years. He led Blackpool to the Premier League back in 2010, and had previously managed at Rovers from 1996 to 2001. His last job in football management was with Grimsby Town, and he resigned in December 2020 which subsequently led to his apparent retirement.