THE big question for Blackpool's six-pointer at Reading on Saturday (January 8) is just who will be managing the Tangerines?

Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston wants a new man in charge for the clash and the list of names rumoured to be applying for the job changes day by day.

And no new loan-signing will be brought into the club until a new manager is installed. One player can be brought in following the end of Brian Quailey's doomed spell at Bloomfield Road. The West Brom striker officially returned to his club having appeared in the Tangerine shirt just once, before returning to the Midlands for treatment to an injury.

As for the top job, caretaker boss Mike Davies and Pool captain David Bardsley are in contention along with the likes of ex-Liverpool star Steve McMahon, ex-Colchester boss Steve Wignall and Huddersfield Town's old manager Peter Jackson.

Other names in the frame include ex-Preston manager John Beck, former Pool player Ted McDougal and even ex-Everton manager Mike Walker. Mr Oyston said that the new manager will not be poached from another club, but will be selected from around nine applicants who will be interviewed today (January 6) and tomorrow.

The new boss is likely to be named on Friday (January 7).

Blackpool desperately need to win on Saturday after collecting just one point from the last nine possible.

The Seasiders are third from bottom of Division Two and Reading are one place higher with a three point and game in hand advantage over Pool.

The Tangerines will be boosted by the return of John Hills and Ian Hughes who return from suspension and injury respectively.

Leading striker John Murphy will play, but will miss the Gillingham match after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Colchester.

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