on 3 june 2014 it was reported that riga had agreed to a deal to become manager of blackpool, and was set to start the following week. the following day, blackpool chairman karl oyston confirmed that there was a verbal agreement in place. on 11 june riga was confirmed as blackpool's new manager. three weeks later, newspaper reports claimed that riga was unsettled and ready to quit blackpool. whilst the club and riga did not comment, no coaching staff had been appointed and even though the club had just seven contracted players, no signings had been made. with so few players, no assistant or backroom staff appointed, and the squad due to report back on 30 june, riga had to delay the start of pre-season training.