CONFIRMED: Ex-Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is back in management

Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy succeeds Michael Appleton at Blackpool. PIC: Sportsfile

placeholder image — Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy succeeds Michael Appleton at Blackpool. PIC: Sportsfile

Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has been announced as Blackpool's new head coach until the end of the season.

The 63-year-old was over the national team on two occasions - between 1996 and 2002 before being reappointed as Irish manager in 2018 until 2020.

The ex-Wolves, Sunderland and Ipswich boss, who was most recently in charge of Cardiff City, will now return to the English Championship - taking over the struggling Seasiders who are currently in 23rd place on the league table.

McCarthy guided the Boys in Green to the 2002 World Cup and was part of Ireland's Euro 88' and Italia 90' squads as a player.

McCarthy told Blackpool's club website: "I'm delighted to be here, I'm delighted to be back in the game.

"I'm thrilled to be back up at a Club where I've had many battles in the past and hopefully we can achieve some of the similar success of those years."