ANDY KING feels he is tantalisingly close to snapping up Sam Parkin after the Chelsea striker soaked up a healthy dose of the Swindon Town feel-good factor in sunny Southport.

The County Ground boss will sit down with the 21-year-old over the weekend and King hopes this week's coastal excursion will swing the balance in favour of a 'yes' decision.

Parkin was remaining tight-lipped on the Southport sand yesterday but his would-be manager thinks the striker has enjoyed the trip.

King said: "I hope I am close to agreeing something with Parkin.

"Without doubt this trip has made a great contribution to me feeling that way.

"I think the lads have done a lot of the groundwork for me. They have talked to him, told him what we are trying to build here and I hope he decides he wants to be part of it for a period of time.

"From what they have told me, he seems positive."

But King, ever mindful that nothing in football is certain until the signature is on the contract, is not yet celebrating.

"He isn't my player yet. It is his choice and he will do what he feels is best for him."

As for the other 'stranger' in the Town camp, King should learn this weekend whether Bolton Wanderers midfielder David Norris will accept a year on loan at the County Ground.

The player wants King to meet his father before making a decision.

Although a touch puzzled by the request, King has agreed to do so.

He said: "Clearly I hope Parkin and Norris say yes but whatever happens, this period away from the County Ground and the training ground has been a huge plus."

As he tipped the sand from his shoes and prepared for the long journey home this morning, King was looking to make progress on another loan signing.

He said: "I will be making a phone call which will hopefully see me get another body in place. But again, no promises."

Reputation alone will not be enough to convince King to take on a player.

He said: "I believe there is a good spirit building here and I will not have that threatened.

"South Korea getting to the semi finals of the World Cup shows you how far team spirit can sometimes take you."

As he watched the players race off for a dip in the Southport sea, King said: "It's all about a blend. You need the right mix to get where you want to go. I think we are getting there."

Player-coach Neil Ruddock said: "The lads have got on really well with each other. It's got to be positive as we look towards the pre-season games."

Blackpool have issued a statement dismissing speculation that manager Steve McMahon, the former Town boss, is set to quit the Bloomfield Road club.

The statement read: "As last year, the manager Steve McMahon has left his capable coaching staff in charge of the first week's pre-season fitness training.

"Steve will be back in charge of training from Monday.

"We would also wish to end the rumours that Steve has quit as manager of Blackpool FC and Karl Oyston has flown to Spain to 'talk the manager round'.

"This was mainly a social meeting, although the two did discuss the forthcoming season."