Blackpool sporting director David Downes states there were a number of factors that made Steve Bruce the standout candidate to become the Seasiders’ head coach.

Steve Bruce insisted that there ‘wasn’t much in it’ between Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool in terms of ability.Wednesday managed to get one over on their former manager on Tuesday night as Di’Shon Bernard’s goal proved to be enough to book their spot in the next round of the Carabao Cup,

Follow live coverage as Blackpool face Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL cup. Liverpool are the reigning champions of the competition following an extra time victory over Chelsea at Wembley last term, Virgil van Dijk scoring the decisive goal to secure a record-extending tenth win of this domestic cup for the Reds.

Steve Bruce started his time as Seasiders boss with a 2-1 victory over Exeter City last weekend. From that game, the new head coach has made one change to his starting XI, with Albie Morgan replacing the injured Ollie Norburn - who is set to spend the next month on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.