Blackpool manager Lee Clark resigns as manager of relegated club

Blackpool manager Lee Clark has resigned following the club's relegation from the Championship to League One.

Assistant boss Alan Thompson also leaves Bloomfield Road, with the side having won just four matches in the 2014/15 campaign.

Clark's departure comes amid growing unrest among many Seasiders fans, with the Blackpool Supporters' Trust announcing plans to try and take over the club from the Oyston family.

"After a great deal of thought, I have come to the decision that it is not in the best interests of either myself or Blackpool FC that I continue as manager of the football club and have therefore tendered my resignation to the chairman, which he has accepted," Clark said in a statement on the club’s official website.

"It only remains to thank my staff, the players, the supporters and everybody else involved with the club for their help and support and wish them the best of luck for the future."

Blackpool confirmed they will release a statement "in due course".

The club barely managed to assemble a squad for the start of the season, which was eventually made up largely of loan players and free signings, many of whom are out of contract over the summer.

Clark's Blackpool reign began at the end of October, 10 days after he was sacked by Birmingham, who were then just one place above the Seasiders at the foot of the table.

The 42-year-old replaced Jose Riga but Blackpool continued to struggle, as discontent among supporters continued to grow.

That culminated in a sit-in demonstration on the final day of the season, with fans coming onto the pitch in the 48th minute of their home game with Clark's former club Huddersfield, occupying the centre circle for more than an hour before referee Mick Russell abandoned the match.

The Football League decided the match would not be replayed as it had no bearing on promotion or relegation issues.

They are yet to rule on the final result of the match or whether there will be any further punishments, with the matter due to be discussed at a meeting on Thursday.