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Blackpool caretaker boss Tony Parkes is quietly confident that he will be handed the reins on a permanent basis.

Parkes and assistant Steve Thompson have performed an admirable job in keeping the Seasiders in the Championship.

They were placed in temporary charge after Simon Grayson quit Bloomfield Road for Leeds shortly before the turn of the year.

Parkes said: "We're optimistic we'll get the go ahead after the board meeting and we're already planning for next year by looking to arrange pre-season friendlies."

Meanwhile, Parkes has paid a rich tribute to defender Alex Baptiste after he enjoyed an impressive campaign.

Baptiste was signed from Mansfield last summer and gradually established himself in the first-team picture at Bloomfield Road.

He made his debut in the 2-0 defeat at Wolves in November and emerged as a key figure in the second half of the season as the Seasiders marched to safety to finish 10 points above the relegation zone.

"Alex has been great for us and been a big part of what has happened at Blackpool," said Parkes.

"He can play centre-back and right-back because he's got pace."

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