Blackpool Football Club can confirm that Stephen Dobbie has been appointed to the role of Senior Professional Development Phase Coach.

The former Seasiders’ forward, who achieved a promotion with the Club in 2010, returns to Bloomfield Road after officially bringing an end to his 23-year playing career in May.

Dobbie, 39, will be responsible for coaching the Development Squad at Blackpool, having previously took charge of AFC Fylde’s Under-18 side last season, whom he guided to three trophies and received the honour of being named the North-West Youth Alliance Manager of the Season.

Stephen Dobbie said:

“It’s fantastic to be coming back here to Blackpool. I’m looking forward to working with a really good group of people and helping the Club’s young players to progress in their careers.

“The Development Squad is still relatively new and there is a lot of talent in there. We’ll maybe have some first-team players that need a game and we’ll be looking to try and progress the under-18s into the squad as well. It’s about trying to help the group reach the next stage.

“I’m really thankful for this opportunity back at Blackpool and I’m excited for the challenge ahead.”

Academy Director Ciaran Donnelly added:

“Stephen was a breath of fresh air throughout the interview process. His humility and passion for working with young players shone through and we see him as the perfect role model for our young professionals. He has obvious, relatable experience that the players will thrive off and he has a calm and caring manner that will connect with young footballers.

“The Development Squad is a key stage on the ladder of a young player and with Stephen coaching these players on a daily basis, I think we have every reason to be excited for the future development of homegrown players at the Club.”

Stephen Dobbie Appointed Senior Professional Development Phase Coach