Blackpool have sacked manager Michael Appleton after just seven months in charge. The Seasiders have won just once since October – when they beat Premier League side Nottingham Forest 4-1 in the FA Cup third round. Their last league victory was at the end of October – a 2-1 win against Coventry. Blackpool are currently in the relegation zone, three points from safety.  The former Portsmouth, Oxford United and Lincoln City boss leaves Blackpool after winning seven games out of 29 during his second spell with the club.

The club also confirmed that assistant head coach David Kerslake has followed Appleton and left Bloomfield Road. A statement on Blackpool’s website said: ‘The club would like to thank Michael and David for their efforts during their time at Bloomfield Road and wish them all the best for the future.’

Appleton’s final game in charge was the defeat to promotion chasing Watford last weekend and Blackpool will now begin the hunt for his successor. They host Huddersfield Town on Bloomfield Road on Saturday.