THE race to be Blackpool FC's sixth manager in a little over 10 years is hotting up, with a host of big names being touted for the job.

Lytham-based former Scotland skipper, Colin Hendry, remains the hot favourite for the role and had his first interview with the club this week. Former Iceland national team and Stoke City manager, Gudjon Thordarson is also emerging as a contender.

Another former Seasider, Andy Preece, has also put his name forward, as has another Scotsman, Lou Macari.

Macclesfield Town's caretaker boss, Brian Horton, was also a serious contender, but instead chose to remain at the Cheshire club.

The usual crop of unemployed managers are also expected to form an orderly queue outside Karl Oyston's door. Ex Cheltenham boss, Steve Cotterill and former Blackpool skipper Paul Groves, have been mentioned.

Caretaker boss Simon Grayson says he would also be interested in the job, though a coaching role is more likely for the experienced former Blackburn man.

An outside bet for the post is former Burnley chief, Stan Ternent, who is leaving the Turf Moor club after six years. Ternent, of course, started out with Blackpool in 1979 after a spell as Bob Stokoe's assistant.

Ternent declared after his final game on Sunday that he wanted to get back into work immediately. He is, however, a long-odds outsider and is not thought to have applied.

Oyston has indicated that a decision will be made sooner rather than later. Interest in the job is said to be exceptional.

Carlisle United boss, Paul Simpson, will not be returning to Bloomfield Road as manager. The former Seasiders winger and his club were approached by chairman, Karl Oyston, shortly after McMahon's departure, but he will not be joining the managerial short-list and will instead concentrate on getting the Cumbrians promoted back into the football league.

News of McMahon's departure broke shortly before 7pm last Thursday, after several days of talks. Both parties were amicable in their comments after the event, despite the increasingly strained relationship between McMahon and the directors in recent months.

"It has been a fantastic four and a half years," said McMahon shortly after clearing his desk: "We have enjoyed a lot of success both on and off the field.

"I have been proud to be part of the on going improvements at the club. During my time here, the supporters have been fantastic and are a credit to the club, whilst they have that support I am sure they can go a long way.

"It is a sad day for me, but I am going to enjoy a break, recharge my batteries before looking forward to the future challenges."

Oyston added: "I would like to place on record the gratitude for all Steve's efforts over the last four years.

"I feel the club has come a long way both on and off the field during this period and following amicable discussions, we felt it was in the club's best interests for any change to be made with immediate effect.

"This will leave Steve free to pursue other options in the close season. Steve will be a difficult act to follow, but we assure the supporters that we will act as quickly as possible to appoint a new management team."

Contrary to some initial speculation, McMahon has not been offered the Burnley job, though he has applied for the Turf Moor vacancy and is keen on a move to East Lancashire. He may also apply for the Leeds post. His experience of dealing with a tight budget will do him no harm at either club.

STAND-IN Seasiders boss, Simon Grayson, had a losing start to his managerial career, but wasn't disgraced as Pool went down fighting against one of the division's better sides.

Teenage keeper, Lewis Edge, also made a promising start to his Blackpool career and was most certainly not at fault for either Bristol City goal at Ashton Gate.

Needing a victory to stand a chance of automatic promotion, Bristol piled on the pressure early in the game, but 17-year-old Edge made a couple of quality saves which a more experienced keeper would have been proud of to keep the scores level.

But the resistance could only hold out for so long, and a two-minute brace by Christian Roberts halfway through the half gave the home side the advantage.

But news began to filter through that Bristol's promotion rivals, QPR, were leading at Sheffield Wednesday, quietening the home supporters.

Blackpool pressed and finally found a way back in to the match through a Keith Southern penalty after Richie Wellens was felled in the area. Mike Sheron had a couple of half chances to level it late on, but the Seasiders still ended the season with a defeat.

The manager hunt hasn't distracted Oyston from the need to tie up star players on new contracts. Leam Richardson and Mike Flynn have put pen to paper, and one-year options have been taken out on Gareth Evans, Lee Jones and John Murphy.

The big name still outstanding is Scott Taylor, who is still in discussions with Oyston. Mike Sheron and Phil Barnes have not yet signed.