POOL have been boosted in their bid for promotion by the return to fitness of midfielder Lee Collins ahead of Saturday's home league clash with York City.

Collins (pictured) has been out of the reckoning for weeks with a groin injury and his return means manager Steve McMahon should have a full squad of players available for the match which could see the Tangerines jump start their bid for play off position after their enforced lay-off last week.

York are struggling third from bottom of the division at the moment with 25 points.

STEVE McMahon has dismissed reports linking Blackpool with non-league Stalybridge Celtic's striker Matt McNeil. It is reported that several league clubs including Notts Forest and Burnley have been interested in buying the striker. But McMahon says he has not even seen the player. He added, however, that he was on the lookout for a forward to boost his team's firepower. HIS quest becomed all the more urgent as Adam Nowland has rejected a long term contract with Pool and has been placed on the transfer list along with John Hills and Steve Bushell. It is believed Rochdale are interested in signing him.

WORK has been going on behind the scenes to ensure work can at last begin on the new stadium.

Although work was due to begin two weeks ago bureaucratic complications meant it was not possible.

But stadium director Pete Whitehead has been in meetings with Blackpool Council and the building contractors this week to iron out problems. It is hoped the green light for work to start will be given early next month.