THERE may be little football at Bloomfield Road at the moment but there will soon be plenty of action off the pitch with work on the new stadium set to start on January 11.

The work on the ground (pictured) will be a great relief to fans who doubted the redevelopment would get underway after a series of delays.

And manager Steve McMahon believes the development will help him attract players to the club. He is convinced more players will be willing to come to Blackpool once they can see the extent of the club's ambition.

Macca is also confident his team can achieve an automatic promotion position at the end of the season. Although he believes Chesterfield and Brighton will attain the the top two spots McMahon thinks a third place position is attainable.

CHAIRMAN Karl Oyston is having talks with Brett Ormerod and John Hills. The two will be out of contract at the end of the season but Oyston has offered them better terms in the hope both players will stay at the club.

The club says there is no substance to speculation linking John Hills with a First Division club for a transfer fee in excess of £500,000. It also denied rumours linking striker John Murphy with Norwich City and Brett Ormerod with Chesterfield.

Defender Brian Reid has stated he wishes to stay at the club.

LES O'Neil has been appointed as club scout at Bloomfield Road. He has previously worked for Kevin Keegan at Fulham and Glen Hoddle at Swindon.

POOL have no match on Saturday as their opponents Leyton Orient are playing Spurs in the FA Cup 3rd round tie. The fixture has not so far been rearranged.

The Tangerines next game is away to Lincoln City in the LDV Vans Trophy on January 9 (kick off 7.45pm). The two sides drew 1-1 when they met earlier in the season.

The Pool versus Cardiff City match has been rearranged for Tuesday February 13 (kick-off 7.45pm).

FORMER Pool boss Nigel Worthington has been confirmed as the new manager of Norwich City. He replaces Bryan Hamilton who was sacked last month.