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Steve Bruce takes to the dugout for the first time as Blackpool manager when they welcome Exeter City to Bloomfield Road for a League One fixture on Saturday afternoon.

The two teams meet for the first time since January when the Tangerines secured a 2-0 home victory over the Grecians.

A new era begins at Bloomfield Road with Steve Bruce taking the reins of Blackpool almost two years on from being sacked by Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

The 63-year-old, who has penned a two-year contract, has admitted that he “needed to take a break” from football, but has ‘realised that retirement wasn’t for him’ and “missed that buzz of getting up and getting on the training ground”.

Bruce has succeeded Neil Critchley, who was relieved of his duties following a 3-0 home defeat to Stockport County on August 17, with Blackpool owner Simon Sadler stating that ‘a change was needed’ following “a number of disappointing results and performances” over the last 12 months.

Richard Keogh was placed in temporary charge for Blackpool’s last four games in all competitions and in that time they have remained unbeaten, following a draw-win-draw-win pattern with both draws taking place in League One against Cambridge United (4-4) and Wycombe Wanderers (2-2).

Blackpool, who most recently beat Crewe Alexandra 4-1 in the EFL Trophy a week last Tuesday, will be confident of hitting the ground running under Bruce, as they have won each of their last four home meetings with Saturday’s opponents Exeter.

While Blackpool are down in 22nd place in the League One table, Exeter sit 10th after winning two and losing two of their opening four matches this season.

Exeter surprised many as they claimed a 2-0 away victory against Bolton at the end of August, before coming out on top via a 2-1 scoreline against fourth-tier side Swindon Town in the EFL Trophy on September 3.

Manager Gary Caldwell is expecting a challenging contest against Blackpool on Saturday, as he feels that the appointment of Bruce, someone who he has “so much respect for”, will have a “big impact” on the Tangerines.