Mac attack

The Blackpool manager has publicly rebuked David Bardsley following comments in the press.

Bardsley suggested that it was the players who are responsible for getting managers and coaches the sack.

Following the 2-1 loss to Bristol City, McMahon agreed that was the case, and that Bardsley himself was one of the players in the team not performing up to scratch.

McMahon fumed: "David Bardsley was right. It is the players who get managers the sack.

"But I won't let that happen to me, believe you me. They will be out before I am." Utility man Ian Hughes would significantly boost McMahon's side for the clash at the Abbey Stadium, giving him options in midfield as well as defence.

Hughes returned to full training a week ago, but due to the way reserve games now fall, McMahon has had trouble getting him back to match fitness.

Funds from the recent Break the Gate initiative being run at home games are available to the boss for new signings.

The 5,066 crowd added to the funds which totalled £24,000 before the match, but any incoming players will have to be on a permanent basis, as both loan positions are taken.

Chris Lumsden, who had a disappointing game against Bristol City, looks as though he will be returning to Sunderland after his month at Bloomfield Road, just as Bobby Robson has announced a clearout from neighbouring Newcastle.

Robson is releasing a number of players who could fit into the Bloomfield Road line-up, including high profile names and a number of promising youngsters, who have so far failed to break into the Premier League's first team.

Stuart Eliott, Steven Caldwell and James Coppinger are all youngsters being released by Robson, looking to prove themselves on a different level.

Another name still rumoured to be attracting interest from Bloomfield Road is Ian Lawson, previously on loan under manager Nigel Worthington.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.