Rumours are abounding that Stuart Pearce (pictured) and Steve McMahon are both fighting for the vacant managers job at Boundary Park. Kevin Keegan regards Pearce as a key member of his backroom staff at City but Pearce has made no secret of his desire to manage his own team. McMahon may feel that he has taken Blackpool as far as he can and may relish the challenge at Athletic. Both will face stiff opposition with Brian Talbot (Rushden and Diamonds) and Ian Atkins (Oxford United) who have both recently come into the running.