BLACKPOOL should have a striker signed in time for Saturday's (February 12) game against Bristol City.

Manager Steve McMahon has swooped for Doncaster Rover's Mike Newell to spearhead the Seasiders' attack.

Although there was no confirmation from Bloomfield Road on Wednesday (February 9), Doncaster manager Ian Snowden has revealed that Blackpool officials have been in contact about Newell.

It is believed Newell will join the Tangerines for a nominal fee.

Macca revealed his frustration at not being able to sign a front man after the Reading match.

He said: "I am frustrated. Junior has done very well up front for us. But you can see the lack of firepower up front. In these conditions against big, strapping lads, there are times when you need a little bit more.

"We will probably find out on Thursday (February 10) about a striker. It might not be the man we want, but someone will be coming in."

Kevin Richardson will stay with the Seasiders for another month following the Reading match.

The Barnsley midfielder has given the Pool an extra punch and McMahon is more than pleased that his stay has been extended. Steve Bushell is out for the weekend after pulling a hamstring and Ian Hughes, although back to fitness, is not likely to figure until he has played a few matches.

Striker-wise, McMahon is believed to have turned his attention to Aston Villa striker Darren Byfield, following John Gregory's decision to block any move for Richard Walker.

Walker scored Villa's fourth goal against Charlton and the message from Gregory is simple, Walker is not available on loan or for sale.

Byfield spent a spell on loan at North End last year and walked away from David Moyes' side when he found himself on the bench.

Three more names were suggested including former Blackburn Rovers striker Mike Newell, a target for Preston only last year.

The other two should be easily recognisable to Blackpool fans.

Ian Lawson, now at Bury, spent a good loan spell at Bloomfield Road from Huddersfield, under previous manager Nigel Worthington.

Bury have very little cash and would entertain any decent offers for their players.

And Brian Quailey came to Bloomfield Road when Worthington was in charge, but injury ruined his loan spell before he returned to West Brom. Quailey, now at Scunthorpe, is said to have caught the eye of McMahon.

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