Appleton moves to Bloomfield Road as successor to Ian Holloway, who ended a highly-successful three-and-a-half year stint with the Seasiders to join npower Championship counterparts Crystal Palace at the weekend.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United youngster had his playing career cut short by a serious knee injury but has impressed in his first managerial role, earning plaudits in difficult circumstances at Portsmouth despite overseeing the financial stricken club's relegation to League One last season.
Appleton previously worked at West Brom as assistant under Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo and England manager Roy Hodgson.
Blackpool, who led the table in the opening weeks of the season, lie 12th in the Championship after earning a first win in six outings at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.
Source: PA
Source: PA