IT may have taken Blackpool FC a year to decide that Nigel Worthington belonged at Bloomfield Road, but now they believe they have got their man.

The former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds fullback was installed as manager on Tuesday (July 8), a full season after being interviewed for the job which went to Gary Megson.

At that time, the 35-year-old wanted to pursue his playing career with Stoke.

But now, with a promise of cash for new players, he is looking forward to his first managerial post.

He joked: "Vicki Oyston told me I could have the job in 12 months' time if I still wanted it and she's kept her word.

"I am looking forward to it.

"It will be a learning process for me and I am certainly willing to learn."

With the new season just a month away, Nigel has little time for settling in, but he is not in the least bit daunted by this.

"We are behind time already but there is nothing we can do about that," he said.

"We just have to bring everybody together, get as much coaching work done as possible and hopefully we will be reasonably well prepared for the start of the season."

Nigel is also interested in signing up fresh blood, saying: "There is money available which is great when it's your first job.

"I don't want to waste that money and I have players in mind whose reputation will come with them if we can get them at the right price."

Fans needn't be surprised to see him pulling on his boots from time to time, either, though only in emergencies such as injuries and suspensions.

He will draw from the experience of his number two Mick Hennigan, who was assistant to Howard Wilkinson at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds and worked with Nigel for 15 years.

"When I was looking for an assistant I had Mike firmly in mind," he said.

"We get on very well. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and he has a lot of experience.

"We will be able to bounce ideas off each other."

Chairman Vicki Oyston also believes the two will make a good team.

She said: "We were well aware of Nigel's impressive record as a player of international repute and his qualities of leadership.

"Mick has coached at many levels and we feel it is a combination which will work for us."

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