Newly-promoted Blackpool are chasing Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley in an attempt to strengthen their defence in preparation for Premier League football.

The Journal claims Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is looking to offload the former Manchester United trainee. It is believed Seasiders boss Ian Holloway is an admirer of Bardsley, and is monitoring the situation closely.

The paper has also played down suggestions that West Brom might be tempted to make a bid for Bardsley. The Baggies were previously one of the front runners for Bardsley's signature over the summer

Blackpool Football Club's promotion to the Premier League has been given Parliamentary recognition.

The Labour MP for Blackpool South, Gordon Marsden, has tabled a Commons motion praising the club for its "inspirational achievement". He also pays tribute to the "transformational leadership of manager Ian Holloway".

The Seasiders' beat Cardiff in the play-off final at Wembley to secure their place in the top flight.

Blackpool, which has one of the lowest average attendances in the Championship, last played in the top flight in 1971.
'Highest pinnacle'

Blackpool Football Club celebrated promotion to the English Premier League with an open top parade along the city's famous golden mile.

The Tangerines were tipped by many for relegation at the start of the season, but shocked everyone by securing promotion to the top division, with a 3-2 win over Cardiff in the play-off final on Saturday.

Manager Ian Holloway has been credited with reviving the team's fortunes, and he spoke to BBC reporter Tony Livesey on the open-top bus.

Blackpool midfielder Keith Southern has paid tribute to manager Ian Holloway for leading the club into the Premiership.

In the space of a year - and after 12 months out of the game - Holloway has changed the mentality on the Fylde and brought a refreshing style of football to Blackpool, resulting in promotion at Wembley.

Southern told the club's website: "The bulk of the players were here last season but the manager has put us in a system, a structure that has allowed us to play with freedom and a lot of attacking zip.

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