Blackpool have confirmed the departure of Simon Grayson with immediate effect, following a run of just one league win since the 7th December, culminating in Tuesday night’s dramatic defeat to Gillingham.

The Tangerines were looking towards the play-off places this season and looked a solid shout to do so as their early season form saw the side climb into the play-off places under Grayson. A man who has more experience than most of getting teams promoted into the Championship.

However, the weekend’s narrow victory over a struggling Southend side did little to paper over the cracks of some poor performances during this run.

The end of the road for the former Preston North End man was the defeat to Gillingham last night in which the hosts surely thought they had snatched a point from the jaws of defeat when Nathan Delfouneso struck in added time following Armand Gnanduillet’s early opener and two quick-fire goals from the away side in the second half. However, Gillingham snatched all three points in the 95th-minute thanks to Brandon Hanlan.

The club have now seen this as the final straw and move to relieve Grayson of his duties at Bloomfield Road.

In a brief statement on the matter, the club had this to say about his departure: “Blackpool Football Club can confirm that Simon Grayson has today been relieved of his duties as first-team manager.

“The Club would like to thank Simon for his efforts during his time back at Bloomfield Road and wish him well for the future. 

“A further announcement will follow in due course.”

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The verdict

It’s no surprise to see that Blackpool have parted company with Grayson after such a woeful run of form in the league.

Two wins since the early stages of December is nowhere near good enough for a team that has hopes of finishing in League One’s top six, come May.

It does strike as odd to see Grayson backed in the transfer market to bring in a whole host of first-team players, to sack him just 12 days after the window shuts.

The race is on now for the Tangerines to find a suitable replacement to ensure their season isn’t completely left in tatters.