Blackpool set to appoint Stephen Dobbie as full-time manager despite club’s devastating relegation

STEPHEN DOBBIE’S chances of getting the Blackpool job full-time are soaring as pal Ciaran Donnelly is lined up for a key post there.

The Scot has been in caretaker charge since Mick McCarthy stepped down earlier this month.

GettyStephen Dobbie could turn his caretaker role into a permanent one[/caption]

And the interim manager may get the nod for next season despite failing to guide the Seasiders away from the relegation zone.

Around half-a-dozen candidates are set to be interviewed by the club.

Academy chief Donnelly, who is part of the process of finding a new boss, works closely with Dobbie and knows him well.

Blackpool were relegated to League One on Friday night after a 3-2 loss to Millwall.

The team were in dire form under McCarthy, failing to win seven of his last eight games before he quit.

However, under Dobbie, results have improved, winning two of the five matches he has been in charge for.

The 40-year-old is a Blackpool hero after playing for them 56 times during playing his career.

Before he was appointed interim boss, he worked with young players as their lead development coach.

Former gaffer Neil Critchley has been linked with a return to the club, with Graham Alexander also reportedly in the frame.

Blackpool face Norwich away on the final day of the season with all hope already gone.