Blackpool Blog

On the pitch
Tony Parkes’ search for a win goes on after his side threw away three points at Coventry yesterday. DJ Campbell’s expertly taken goal on debut put Pool ahead in the first period. But a calamitous five minute spell at the start of the second half saw the away side concede twice and City held on for the win.

Off the pitch
Progress has been made in the transfer market despite deals yet to be finalised. Tony Parkes has offers in for two young premier league players on loan deals. There are also two permanent deals being worked on and action could occur before next Saturday`s visit of Birmingham.

Trial for Irish winger
Young Irish winger Ryan McIlmoyle will join up with the Pool squad later in the week as he starts a trial spell at the seaside.

Contract talks
Elsewhere attention has been focused on keeping some of Pool`s out of contract stars including Ben Burgess and Danny Coid, both of whom can walk away for free at the end of the season. Talks are underway to keep these players as well as key first team players Ian Evatt, Paul Rachubka, Keith Southern and Gary Taylor-Fletcher.

Best thread on forum
‘Young players` initiated by serial poster platos sparked an interesting debate on the use of youngsters at Blackpool. Is there really a massive contrast in style between Simon Grayson and Tony Parkes in blooding the young guns?

Blackpool play their first two home games of 2009 desperate to pick up a much needed win. Birmingham visit Bloomfield Road on Saturday followed by QPR three days later. The results of those matches could go a long way to deciding the fate of Tony Parkes.