Parkes comes in as former Blackburn star Hendry leaves

Parkes arrival follows the departure of Seasiders boss and former Blackburn defender Colin Hendry.

Reserve team coach Simon Grayson will remain in charge of first-team affairs, and will also be assisted by former Manchester City coach Andy Welsh.

"I spoke to Colin and he gave me his full backing, and said to go for it," Parkes told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He knows, just like any other manager, that once you lose your job, someone else is going to come in and take it over.

"Just because I know him well makes no difference. He said to go for it, and he can't say any more than that."