Ex-Claret on Blackpool shortlist as Parkes goes

Parkes was expected to take on the job long term and only recently he spoke of his desire to do that whilst on Sky's Big League Weekend programme. Yesterday however he said he wanted to spend more time with his family and tendered his resignation.

Thompson has worked alongside him since Simon Grayson opted for lower league football at League One Leeds during the season and is the players' favourite to land the job but it doesn't look as though he is favourite by any means.

Other candidates appear to be Andy Ritchie, current Bury boss Alan Knill and Ian Holloway ut the clear favourite is former Blackpool player Gary Brabin.

He has just taken Cambridge to second place in the Blue Square Premiership before missing out on promotion in the play off final on Sunday to Torquay. Cambridge have already confirmed they have given a Football League club permission to speak to him, one that is considerably higher than themselves suggesting a Championship club.