IT'S back to school on Saturday (Aug 7) for Blackpool's footballers - at least that's how manager Nigel Worthington sees it.

After two weeks of tasters to get players back in the swing of things, it's time for some real work with the arrival of Wrexham at Bloomfield Road and then Tranmere in the Worthington Cup on Tuesday.

And Nigel says there's no problem with getting his players motivated.

"I class it as going back to school," he explained.

"You're looking forward to it, excited about what's ahead and ready for a big test of will power for another long period."

Pre-season it's been a case of could do better for the Seasiders with their first win on Saturday coming off the back of two draws and three defeats.

"But results aside, the boss is happy with his class.

"I like to win of course but we've put in some great performances and that's what it's all about pre-season," he said.

"We've made some gradual progress since the first game against St Mirren which is something we're looking to build on.

"Things are coming on nicely and hopefully things will be right on Saturday."

Blackpool start their campaign with 21 professionals on the register, including three Youth Trainees - Danny Coid, Rickie Lambert and Darren Connell - who have looked promising in the warm ups.

New boys include the veteran defender Paul Beesley from Manchester City - whose experience will hopefully rub off on Clarke Carlisle and the young centre halfs, says Nigel - and Richard Forsyth who has yet to kick a ball for Blackpool after pulling a calf muscle two weeks into training.

Nigel is convinced of his calibre, though, saying: "I worked with him at Stoke so I know what he can do.

"He can give the team a lot of quality."

Meanwhile, the search for that elusive striker goes on.

"We've talked to no end of football agents and clubs but the fees they are demanding are astronomical.

"It's very frustrating for myself and the chairman but we will keep on searching until we find the right player."

One striker you won't see turning out in the immediate future is the Estonian Indrek Zellinski, despite the hype which is mostly based on fabrication, says Nigel.

"He came to train with us for a week and we are seeking a work permit but there is nothing definite until that is sorted out.

"It is in the hands of the Department for Education and Employment so we have to wait and see. Part of the regulations require the country the player comes from to be in the top 70 FIFA rankings. Estonia is about 83 or 84 so that could prove a stumbling block for us."

Martin Aldridge will definitely be absent on Saturday while there are late fitness checks on Brett Ormerod (groin strain) and Steve Bushell who has been out since March with a broken foot. Ian Hughes, who Nigel describes as a great professional who leads by example, will continue to wear the captain's armband.

As for the first opponents, Nigel doesn't see Wrexham any worse a threat than other teams they will have to play this season.

"Every team is tough until 4.45pm when you have the result in the bag," he said.

"Wrexham have one of the league's longest serving managers in Brian Flynn and he knows the score but I'm not worried about other teams.

"I'm only concerned about ourselves and if we play to the best of our capabilities, we'll be alright."

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