McMahon pens Seasiders extension

BLACKPOOL have confirmed that manager Steve McMahon has signed a new 12-month contract at Bloomfield Road.

McMahon - who took charge of The Seasiders in January 2000 - has put pen to paper on a rolling contract, and admitted he was relieved that the matter had finally been put to bed.

"It has been done today (Thursday), it has been sorted," said the former Liverpool midfielder.

"It has been going on long enough for everybody and it needed doing sooner rather than later.

"There have been bits and pieces to sort but it is now done and dusted.

"It's a rolling contract which means it does not run out.

"That suits both parties because if there is a club interested then they have to pay compensation, if the two parties don't agree I can go, and if they release me they have to pay so it works in everyone's favour."

Meanwhile, McMahon also revealed that he was taking Preston North End goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan on loan as cover for first-choice Phil Barnes.

The three-month deal will go through on Friday once Lonergan returns from international duty with the England Under-20 side.

"Andy is an excellent keeper," stated McMahon.

"I have been trying to get him for a couple of months but have finally got the go-ahead in the last 24 hours, so hopefully he will be joining us for three months."