Blackpool appoint Jose Riga: Former Standard Liege manager takes over at Championship side

Riga helped Charlton survive relegation last season

Jose Riga walks to the Charlton dugout (Getty Images)

Blackpool have appointed Jose Riga as their new manager.

The former Standard Liege boss, who left Charlton at the end of the season having helped them survive relegation during his 16 games in charge, has agreed a one-year rolling deal at Bloomfield Road.

The 56-year-old will replace caretaker player/manager Barry Ferguson who left the club earlier this month.

Blackpool, who let 18 players go this summer, are 13/8 clear favourites to be relegated to League One next season having won just three games in 2014.

And while Riga admits it will not be easy he has highlighted the need for consistency at a club which used 37 players in the Championship last season.

"I had a good discussion with the chairman and we found an agreement," he told the club's official website. "I'm ready for the big challenge.

"It's not an easy challenge. I'm sure that with the support of the chairman and certainly the support of the fans - who really must be our twelfth man - I'm sure we can succeed.

"First of all, I will work hard to build a consistent team. They know the way I like to play but first of all we have to look for efficiency. The only promise I can make - which I've done everywhere - is to give all I can give to the club. I hope for the same from everybody involved in the club."

PA