So it's Au Revoir to Riga's numero deux as he cashes in his return ticket to Belgium and decides not to return to Bloomfield Road. Good news for the Blackpool Hotel which has an extra room spare, bad news for Jose Riga who's lost his right hand man. A lack of signings, support from the Chairman and an awful run of results doesn't seem to have put off the Belgian manager but the loss of his number two just might.

This translated piece from a European publication spells out the worse news for Blackpool fans that Bart De Roover is back in Belgium and has handed in his resignation to Karl Oyston. The former pro footballer wrapped up a successful stint at Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia this summer and immediately joined José Riga at Blackpool, a UK Championship club. "We worked hard for two months, on and off the pitch. José and I started the season with five players. Gradually, we built our group, through hit and miss. It was a formidable task. Plus, we were working with an extremely tight budget. Of course the group was not ready for the start of the competition. Blackpool lost its first five games of the season, but by small margins and narrow defeats each time.

I have returned to Belgium because I couldn’t sign off on my contract with Blackpool. There were some important terms I could not accept. And September 1st was my deadline. I stayed in Blackpool the entire two months, I gave it my all out of respect for José. José is fantastic, as a trainer, but also as a person. It is a pity that it has to end like this. Now I'm looking for a new challenge. In Belgium, people still know me as the former SV Zulte Waregem coach, but since then I have gained a lot of experience abroad. I have become much stronger as a coach."

After a disastrous transfer window and with Riga back in Belgium himself, I wouldn't be holding my breath that he'll return. Once back at home and away from the mess at Bloomfield Road, there will be little incentive for him to return other than more headaches and hassle. This could well be the beginning of the end for Riga although if he does return and is made of sterner stuff then it will be a tribute to him. You get the feeling though if he doesn't return he won't keep the same silence his predecessors have about those in charge of the club.

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