COMMUNICATION is one of the major keys to success for any business, but unfortunately it seems to be lacking at Blackpool Football Club.

Fans are always eager to be kept informed about even ordinary every-day club issues and leaving them largely in the dark represents, at the very least, a poor customer service.

This week, for example, several unofficial sources -- including one or two from within the club -- stated that Steve MacMahon had signed Stephen Cardwell from Newcastle United on a month's loan.

But the club initially stated that this was not the case and that negotiations were still going on. This sort of situation has happened on more than one occasion, leaving supporters confused.

There are many questions which need answering. Is the club refusing to give Macca money to purchase a new player rather than relying on free transfers and loans? Is the latest (hopeful) acquisition a temporary measure because there is still a possibility of signing Big Danny? Or are there other underlying reasons?

What about the money due under the settlement reached with Stockport County? Was an amount agreed between the two clubs before the deadline date, or has the case to return to court for this issue to be decided?

Is the South Stand redevelopment to go ahead once the North and West stands have been completed?

The club said back in August that plans were to be revealed within four weeks about whether the South Stand would be redeveloped imminently.

Yet again, these details have not come to light.

Surely supporters, whose gate money keeps the club alive, have a right to know what is happening at their club.

Why has Blackpool FC not got a Press Officer nor, for that matter, a permanent Club Secretary? If it does not have qualified people filling these essential roles, communication between club and customer will undoubtedly continue to be lacking.

It was a pity that the team could not continue their run of form at Prenton Park last Thursday. Once more it was the defence that let the squad down, with errors that were heavily punished. The five men at the back are not entirely to blame as, yet again, Steve MacMahon had to cobble together a makeshift defensive line-up because many first team players were injured.

Surely it is now time for Karl Oyston to seriously consider providing the manager with the resources for team strengthening. Things cannot continue as they are, especially now that defenders O'Connor, Jones and Neil Murphy are also on the transfer list and apparently out of Macca's first team plans. The team desperately needs money spending on it to ensure that it is capable of competing with the main promotion contenders.

Fans want to see a long-term strategy and some sign of commitment by the club's owners.