Caretaker manager, Simon Grayson, is almost certain to be in the Blackpool dugout for their visit to Colchester United as the Seasiders complete the formalities of Colin Hendry's departure from Bloomfield Road.

Hendry and his assistant, Ian Miller, were due to meet chairman, Karl Oyston, on Wednesday in a meeting which had been expected to see the end of Hendry's tenure at Bloomfield Road.

But that meeting will not now take place until later in the week, scuppering any hopes Oyston may have had of having a new boss in place in time for the long trip to Essex.

Layer Road has been a happy hunting ground for Grayson who scored the winner for the Seasiders there last season.

One new face in the Blackpool line up will be Blackburn Rovers reserve captain, Gary Harkins, who joins on loan for an initial month to become the fifth loanee in the Seasiders squad.

Midfielder Harkins, a Scotland international at youth level, has previous loan experience at Bury and Huddersfield.