GOALKEEPER is now the priority position for Colin Hendry after two central defenders and a young striker completed moves to Blackpool this week.

England under-20 skipper, Rob Clare, joined on a free-transfer from Stockport County. The move, which has shocked County fans, came about because the Edgeley Park side need to cut their wage bill after a flurry of summer signings. He has signed a one-year deal with a further year's option.

Bolton defender, Danny Livesey, has signed on a one-month loan but is expected to complete a permanent move shortly. Livesey made his premiership debut aged 17, but was loaned out to Rochdale and Billy Dearden's Notts County last season.

Birmingham City striker, Andrew Barrowman, arrived on Monday for a three-month loan spell after the Seasiders beat off competition from several clubs for his signature.

But, with Lee Jones injuring himself again in the warm up before Sunday's final friendly, a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Wigan Athletic, a new keeper will have to be introduced as Pool are unlikely to rely on talented but inexperienced Lewis Edge as back-up.

Rangers' Allan McGregor is still training with Blackpool and may still sign a season-long loan despite talks breaking down last week.

One player who won't be involved on Saturday is youngster, Matthew Blinkhorn. The teenager was a hot prospect who scored regularly at youth and reserve levels, but has failed to claim a regular first team place.

He will spend three months on loan at Mike Newell's Luton, a deal which may become permanent, though he will not be allowed to play against the Seasiders later this month.

Blackpool must also decide on a contract for triallist Dean Gorre, who may sign a short-term deal at Bloomfield Road after a useful cameo in Sunday's Wigan game.

The less said about that particular match the better - Wigan are one of the best sides in the first division and, on this form, it will be hard to bet against them achieving promotion next term.

Razor-sharp strikers, Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington, made life tough, particularly for triallist teenager Livesey, who had played 60 minutes for Bolton's reserves against Sheffield Wednesday just 24 hours earlier.

Lee McCulloch's curling effort put the Latics ahead after a third minute mix-up between Mike Flynn and Mark McGregor.

A powerful Per Frandsen effort made it two inside seven minutes while Ellington's turn and shot took the scoreline to 3-0 before the break.

Phil Doughty replaced the tired Livesey at half time and was probably the most effective central defender in Tangerine, but couldn't stop Ellington and sub, David Graham, from adding more.

When they did manage to get the ball down and play, Blackpool did look capable of causing problems for the Wigan defence, but keeper, John Filan, was equal to anything thrown at him.

For Blackpool, Allan McGregor, a Rangers keeper, couldn't really be blamed for any of the goals, but won't have too many happy memories of his afternoon in the Blackpool sun.

"It was a shock to the system," said Hendry after the match: "It was a shock for anyone here today in relation to what we have done over the course of pre-season. It was the wake up call we didn't want but probably needed."

LEE Jones and Keith Southern are the major injury doubts for Saturday's season opener against Doncaster Rovers at Belle Vue. Paul Edwards is also unlikely to start the game as he is still recovering from his pre-season ankle injury.

FANS are reminded that they must buy tickets in advance for next Tuesday's first home game against Sheffield Wednesday at Bloomfield Road. The game is all ticket and no tickets will be available on the day of the game. The Yorkshire club are expected to bring almost 2,000 fans to the game.