BLACKPOOL manager Steve McMahon's search for a striker has the Bloomfield Road rumour-mill working on overload.

The latest name to be linked to the Seasiders is that of Darlington's top scorer last season Marco Gabbiadini, recently named Division Three Player of the Year by readers of FourFourTwo Magazine.

The flamboyant striker is a firm favourite with Darlington fans and a possible target as he reaches the end of his contract.

Rumours that Darren Byfield is expected to sign for Blackpool have been boosted following his release from Aston Villa on a free transfer.

Byfield has praised John Gregory for allowing him to leave, as reported on Aston Villa's Teamtalk pages.

The 23-year-old, who did not make a single first-team appearance this season, had a year left on his contract and was brought on loan to Bloomfield Road by Steve McMahon.

Byfield told Teamtalk: "The manager had been absolutely fair with me.

"He could have kept me for another year and tried to get a fee for me. But he has let me go for nothing which is brilliant.

"I know that I can do a good job for a team. It is sad that I am leaving Villa, but there is now going to be a chance for me to prove myself all over again.

"After the season that I have just had I can't wait to start playing again." The likes of Darius Vassell and Richard Walker forced Byfield out of the first-team frame at Villa Park.

A spokesperson for Blackpool Football Club said no talks with Byfield had taken place but the club had been following his progress and was aware he was a free agent.

One name being banded about among fans is Bury's Darren John Bullock. The 31-year-old was a £150,000 capture for Andy Preece's side in February last year, but looks to have fallen out of favour.

Goalkeeper Phil Barnes has finally signed a new contract to keep him at Bloomfield Road until the end of the 2002/3 campaign.

Barnes was offered terms before the season ended, but wanted to concentrate on the relegation battle before signing.

Pre-season friendlies for the Tangerines could include a few matches in Scotland or Ireland. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the matches are likely to be played in July.

Development of Bloomfield Road will begin in early July -- but it is the North Stand which will be demolished first.

Season ticket sales are said to be 'encouraging'. If the current sales continue then all seats in the South Stand could be filled by season ticked holders only.