WITH the countdown to the new football season underway, Blackpool have signed Simon Grayson on a free transfer from Premiership Blackburn Rovers.

Thirty-two-year-old Grayson had been training with Pool for a couple of weeks prior to signing a two-year deal with the option of a further year. The player, who can operate either in defence or midfield, impressed manager Steve MacMahon and the coaching staff and they believe the former Leeds, Leicester and Aston Villa player will bring inavaluable experience to the Blackpool squad.