BLACKPOOL'S players returned from their week-long trip to Northern Ireland under no illusions about the standards expected by new boss, Colin Hendry.

Seasiders stars have been 'enjoying' two or three training sessions a day under the guidance of Ian Miller and Rab Kielty as well as three matches.

The players are now back at their temporary training base in Lytham in the run-up to Saturday's friendly against Darlington at the North East club's New Stadium.

Next week Blackpool have a rare tangerine versus tangerine clash with Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Tuesday before a final-pre-season fixture a week on Sunday against Wigan Athletic.

The tour ended in style, with a 4-0 victory over Newry City, with Scott Taylor scoring twice, Keigan Parker grabbing another and Matthew Blinkhorn winning and then converting a penalty.

On Saturday, Taylor again showed why the Seasiders wouldn't let him go on the cheap with a brace against Dungannon Swifts.

Blackpool went ahead when a Dungannon defender cleared a cross into his own goal under pressure from the impressive Keigan Parker.

But the local part-timers were back on level terms early in the second half when, during a flurry of Blackpool substitutions, Andy Hamilton nipped in to equalise.

But then Taylor stepped in with two quick, well-taken goals to give Blackpool a second win in three days.

Hendry's managerial career started in style on Thursday, with a victory over Northern Ireland's Intertoto Cup representatives, Ballymena United.

The Seasiders survived an early scare, with Gareth Evans giving away a penalty for a foul on Rory Hamill but, fortunately, the spot kick hit the post, not troubling trialist keeper, Ross Turnbull.

The second half saw some experienced introductions, With the likes of Taylor and Richie Wellens joining the fray, alongside newcomers, Rob Edwards and Parker.

That paid almost immediate dividends, with Mike Flynn scoring a header from a well-worked corner. Another Flynn header was ruled out for a foul on the keeper.

Parker made it a scoring debut on 76 minutes when Taylor broke free of the Ballymena defence before squaring it for the new boy to tap in from close range.

Decisions on a new goalkeeper and the central defensive position will be high on Hendry's agenda for this week.

Aussie trialist, Paul Henderson, and Middlesbrough youngster, Ross Turnbull, had little to do in goal on tour and Hendry has also admitted having another target for that position, Rangers' Allan McGregor, who is expected to sign on a season-long loan.

A decision will also have to be taken on former Burnley man, Mark McGregor.

Former Seasiders striker, Mike Sheron, could find a new home at Chester City - if the conference champions don't fold.

Sheron played a trial game for the Deva Stadium outfit on Saturday, but the club has been hit with a winding up order from Customs and Excise as well as a complaint from Boston United over an alleged unpaid transfer fee for top-scorer, Daryl Clare.

Another former Seasider, Sean Hessey, also joined Chester this summer.