Appleton absent as Rovers wait on news

Blackpool manager Michael Appleton did not take training on Thursday in the wake of an official approach for his services from npower Championship counterparts Blackburn.

Rovers posted a statement on their official website, www.rovers.co.uk, on Wednesday night confirming their interest in the 37-year-old former Portsmouth boss, with a Blackpool acknowledging a "formal approach" in a statement of their own shortly afterwards.

Amid reports Blackburn's bid to appoint Appleton as Henning Berg's successor had received the short shrift, Ewood Park managing director Derek Shaw on Thursday morning told Press Association Sport the clubs remained "in discussions".

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