Back room staff follow McDonald out of Blackpool

His departure was confirmed in a club statement after 10 days of turmoil behind the scenes at the club.

After the Seasiders’ third relegation in six years was confirmed with a 5-1 defeat on the final day at Peterborough, McDonald met with chairman Karl Oyston and was told of a series of proposed cuts ahead of life in League Two.

Despite wanting away, McDonald refused to resign and was informed of Pool’s decision to sack him after a board meeting on Monday night.

Although his exit was announced as a mutual agreement, it’s believed the club had decided enough was enough.

Following him out are goalkeeping coach Steve Banks, chief scout Peter Glover and kit man Russ Byrne-Frazer, leaving only McDonald’s assistant Richie Kyle at Bloomfield Road.

It means Blackpool are again forced into a total rebuild this summer, with Oyston starting the search for his new man this morning.

Chairman Oyston said in a statement: “Myself and the other members of the board would like to place on record our thanks to Neil for his hard work during a challenging season both on and off the field.”

The 50-year-old had a torrid time at Bloomfield Road, winning just 13 of his 56 games.

After replacing Lee Clark last June, McDonald had to build a squad virtually from scratch, having inherited only six contracted players.

He admitted off-the-field issues hampered his recruitment and were a constant shadow over his attempts to steady the Blackpool ship.

Ultimately, though, McDonald will be judged on his team’s style of play, which was often negative, dull and unproductive as the Seasiders failed to score in half of his games in charge.