The 2013–14 season was Blackpool's third-consecutive season in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English professional football, and their 105th overall season in the Football League.
Season summary
Blackpool also competed in the League Cup, going out in the first round, and the FA Cup, exiting in the third round.
The season was to be Paul Ince's first full season as manager, but on 21 January 2014 he was sacked from the role; a full-time replacement was not named. Barry Ferguson was installed as caretaker manager on 21 January and remained in the role until the end of the season.
Pre-season
Incoming transfers during the pre-season period included Scottish central defender and later captain Gary MacKenzie, who signed from MK Dons on the eve of their opening friendly for an undisclosed fee. Striker Bobby Grant joined from Rochdale, also for a fee that was not publicly stated. An unattached Michael Chopra and fellow striker Steven Davies (£500,000 from Bristol City) also joined the ranks. On 1 August, Jack Robinson joined on a season-long loan from Liverpool. The following day, the eve of the season proper kick-off, Neal Bishop signed from Notts County on a five-month contract.
Outbound, on free transfers, went Ashley Eastham (Rochdale), Stephen Crainey (Wigan Athletic), Alex Baptiste (Bolton Wanderers), Kevin Phillips (to Ian Holloway's Crystal Palace), Neal Eardley (Birmingham City) and Tiago Gomes (released).
The World Group Stadium, home of Penrith, was the venue for Blackpool's opening pre-season friendly on 6 July. Matt Phillips and Tom Ince were the scorers for the visitors as they ran out 2–0 winners.
A week later, they made the short trip up the Fylde Coast to take on Morecambe at the Globe Arena. Tom Ince was again on the score sheet in a 1–1 draw.
On 16 July, The Seasiders lost to a Kendal Town XI. Trialist Caleb Folan netted for Blackpool.
Two days later, Blackpool travelled to Witton Albion and won 3–0. Tom Ince, Tom Barkhuizen and Craig Cathcart were the scorers.
On 20 July, Blackpool crossed the Pennines to face York City. The hosts went ahead on 55 minutes, but Bobby Grant levelled matters a minute later in what was the final goal of the game.
Three days later, Blackpool visited Bury and again came away with a 1–1 draw. Kirk Broadfoot was the scorer for the Tangerines.
Pre-season was closed out with the a first fixture at Bloomfield Road. Premier League outfit Newcastle United were the visitors, and the Magpies returned to the North East with a 1–0 victory under their belt.
In their seven pre-season fixtures, Blackpool won two, drew three and lost two.
Season proper
Blackpool's opening fixture, on 3 August, was at Doncaster Rovers. The visitors won 3–1, with goals from Steven Davies, Gary MacKenzie and Tom Ince.
Two days later, Blackpool exited the League Cup at the hands of arch-rivals Preston North End.
Barnsley were the visitors to Bloomfield Road on 10 August. A single goal, put into his own net by Scott Golbourne (wrongly credited as Scott Wiseman), gave the hosts all three points.
An unattached Ricardo Fuller joined Blackpool on a free transfer on 15 August, and the following day, Nathan Delfouneso, a loanee at the club last season, returned on a six-month loan.
On 17 August, Blackpool travelled to Middlesbrough, with whom they fought out a 1–1 draw. Chris Basham scored the goal for Paul Ince's men.
A week later, Blackpool hosted Reading. A Tom Barkhuizen goal, his first in professional football, gave the Seasiders all three points and put them top of the table, on goal difference, ahead of Leicester City and Q.P.R.
Young right back Charles Dunne joined Blackpool from Wycombe Wanderers for an undisclosed fee on 23 August, the same day that Matt Phillips left for pastures new at Q.P.R.
On 31 August, Watford visited the seaside. Tom Ince netted the only goal of the game to give Blackpool the victory.
Bradley Orr joined the squad on a five-month loan deal from Blackburn Rovers on 2 September. The same day, forward Nathan Tyson signed on a free transfer from Derby County.
After a two-week international break, Blackpool made it five wins from their opening six League games — their best-ever start to a campaign — with a 2–1 victory at Bournemouth, despite having Jack Robinson dismissed. Ricardo Fuller and Neal Bishop got the goals. Blackpool remained top of the table, ahead of Harry Redknapp's Q.P.R., on goal difference. After an altercation in the Dean Court tunnel with an official, Paul Ince was given a five-match stadium ban and was fined £4,000.