BLACKPOOL are stepping up their chase for released Clarets midfielder Mark Ford.

Ford confirmed that a couple of clubs are interested in his services.

And Blackpool are believed to be heading the queue.

The Seasiders' assistant manager Mick Hennigan is a big admirer of Ford from their days together at Elland Road, where Ford was a rising star under the Howard Wilkinson-Hennigan regime.

Blackpool boss Nigel Worthington was also a squad-mate of Ford's before Worthington moved to Stoke and the Second Division club are thought to have made an approach to the former England under-21 man.

The Seasiders, who signed ex-Leeds schemer Andy Couzens from Carlisle on deadline day, have released another former Leeds midfielder in Jason Blunt and are looking to strengthen that department.

The tough-tackling Ford would fit the bill, although he is likely to have other offers to consider as he bids to get his career back on track.

Ford's departure after two years at Turf Moor represented part of manager Stan Ternent's development plans which look set to include midfield schemer Paul Cook.

Stockport boss Gary Megson has remained tight-lipped about Cook's future but it's thought that the 31-year-old's successful loan spell at Turf Moor will be made permanent over the summer.

Cook played a big part in Burnley's escape from relegation, along with fellow new boy Tom Cowan, as the pair tasted defeat only once in the 12 games they played.

Cowan has been offered the chance to sign a permanent deal with the Clarets following his switch from Huddersfield Town.

And, provided he can agree terms, he is looking forward to playing at the opposite end of the table next time around.

"I think the team are capable of doing big things next season," Cowan insisted after helping Burnley secure a 15th-placed finish.

"You hope for automatic promotion, obviously, but they are well capable of the play-offs."

He added: "You look at the players we've got here and they are well capable of going up automatically, although it's not always that easy.

"But if the heart, endeavour and hard work's there from the last 11 games then we'll do it."

Meanwhile, Burnley could end up playing top-flight Pontin's League football next season, despite being relegated from the First Division earlier this month.

FA Carling Premiership clubs, and those relegated in the last two seasons, are to form a new reserve team league.

The Pontin's League will therefore be reshuffled. And with 15 of the 24 clubs finishing above the Clarets in the top two divisions last season eligible to play in the new league, Burnley could gain a place in the top tier of the new-look Pontins set-up.

Former Burnley full-back Brian Laws last night guided Scunthorpe United to the Third Division play-off final at Wembley, where they will meet Leyton Orient.

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