Dobbie 'better prepared' for Blackpool interim role
Stephen Dobbie had four loan spells at Blackpool during his playing career and previously took charge on an interim basis in 2023
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Blackpool caretaker boss Stephen Dobbie has said he feels better prepared to lead the club now than he did when he previously took charge on a temporary basis in 2023.
The 42-year-old was put in interim charge of the Seasiders following the departure of Steve Bruce last weekend, with the club second from bottom in League One after seven defeats in 11 games.
Dobbie previously led Blackpool on an interim basis in 2023, with the club eventually being relegated from the Championship despite him winning three out of six games in charge.
"I'd say I'm more ready," he told BBC Radio Lancashire. "Last time, we were in the Championship fighting relegation. You get thrown into it and your mind races.
"This time, I've been in over a year. I'm comfortable, I know the players. It's still stressful, but I'm more ready now."
Dobbie: 'Whatever the club needs, whatever Simon needs in this short period, then I’m ready to try and deliver for them'
Despite widespread recruitment in the summer, including experienced defenders Fraser Horsfall and Michael Ihiekwe, and former Sunderland captain George Honeyman, Blackpool have struggled for form in 2025-26.
They began their season with defeat at home by Stevenage and followed that up with a 4-1 reverse at Exeter City.
Bruce's time at the club was brought to an end after last weekend's defeat by AFC Wimbledon, capping off a miserable start to the campaign.
Asked about criticism over the fitness of the squad, Dobbie said: "The players are fine. They're top professionals. They work hard every day.
"The training might change a little bit because I've got different ideas, but they're fit and ready to go.
"I think we've conceded poor goals, collectively. That's not just the goalie or defence. We need to rectify it now."
Blackpool face Stockport County on Saturday hoping to propel themselves up the table, but Dobbie believes they deserve to be where they are in the standings, regardless of the quality in their ranks.
"At the minute, it's probably not false, that's where we are," he added. "The table doesn't lie.
"But with the lads we've got, there's no doubt we can climb the table. Hopefully, it starts on Saturday."