RICHIE Wellens is staying at Blackpool. The former Manchester United midfielder put pen to paper on Tuesday and will be at Bloomfield Road for another two years with a one-year option.

Manager, Steve McMahon, said: "I think it is great news. It is one in the bag, he can now get on with his football and enjoy himself, the worry has gone and we are delighted.

"It is great news for everybody, for myself, for Richie and especially for the supporters and if we can get one or two to sign it's a job well done. Richie is a good player. If he left, we would have struggled to find a replacement as good as Richie.

"He has signed a two-year deal with a one-year option and it gives him chance to concentrate on his football.

"He is now settled in Blackpool and he didn't want to move, he just wanted things to be right."

Wellens sits out Saturday's game against Plymouth, serving a one-match suspension for his sending off against Wycombe. It is his third ban of the season.

There is more positive news for John Murphy.

He suffered concussion in a clash with former team-mate, Peter Clarke, at Port Vale but he will be available on Saturday.

On the negative side, Paul Evans will return to Bradford after suffering medial ligament damage last week.

The game also gives young fans the chance to witness live football at a bargain price, with the 'quid a kid' scheme back in force for under 16s.

Accompanied youngsters will be able to watch the game for just £1.

The last such scheme produced a bumper gate of more than 7,000 for the match against Wycombe.