Blackpool set to build new stand

Last updated : 27 May 2010 By BBC Sport

Chairman Karl Oyston told the Blackpool Gazette: "There are no issues other than me agreeing terms with the builders and the architects.

He added that the work would begin "as soon as is realistically possible."

The club were given the go ahead to revamp the stadium by Blackpool Council in 2001 but at present there is only a temporary stand on the east side of the ground.

We have gone from the euphoria of the weekend to the harsh reality of preparing a retained list

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway

Oyston has met with Premier League officials to discuss what work needs to be done ahead of the Tangerine's first season in the top flight since 1971, with new medical and media facilities topping the list of requirements.

However, the new East Stand is unlikely to be built in time for the beginning of the new season, meaning the current mix of permanent and temporary seating will remain.

Meanwhile, goalkeepers Matt Gilks, 27, and Mark Halstead, 20, defender Ashley Eastham, 19, and midfielders David Vaughan, 27, and Ishmel Demontagac, 21, have all been handed one-year contract extensions.

However Daniel Nardiello, Hameur Bouazza, Al Bangura, Danny Mitchley and Joe Martin have all been released.

The futures of defender Rob Edwards and striker Ben Burgess are less clear after manager Ian Holloway decided not to take up the option of extending their contracts, but he does plan to hold talks with both players.

I was a massive fan of Edwards at Wolves and always thought he was hugely under-rated

Matt_WwFc

"It has been a crazy time," said Holloway. "We have gone from the euphoria of the weekend and the magnificent homecoming parade to the harsh reality of preparing a retained list."

Striker Steve McPhee, 29, is also leaving the club after being forced to retire because of a persistent knee injury.

The former Coventry and Port Vale man, who joined Blackpool from Hull for £220,000 in January 2008, has not played since April 2009.

Elsewhere, the club's promotion to the Premier League has been recognised in Parliament.

The Labour MP for Blackpool South Gordon Marsden has tabled a Commons motion, praising the club for its "inspirational achievement".

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport