The boss axed 11 players, including Wembley-winning skipper Michael Jackson, midfielder Michael Flynn and Lytham lad John Hills.

Describing it as one of the most difficult days of his managerial career, Grayson now turns his attention to rebuilding his depleted squad.

But he's warning supporters not to expect miracles. "We've got to be patient," said the boss.

"Obviously the fans would like a couple of signings soon, also to see what level of player we're going for. But it isn't always that easy.

"We've got irons in fires but if people expect me to be bringing four or five players in over the course of the next week it won't happen.

"It will be a gradual process and it will unfold more over the next few weeks when certain players become available.

"We've obviously got some targets in mind and all I'll say to the fans is be patient with what we are trying to do. It isn't going to happen overnight.

"There is a long period of time now for players to be brought into the club and my job is to make sure that they are the right ones. We have to make sure of that so there is no point rushing things."

As well as keeping Ben Burgess and Danny Coid - who will be celebrating his 10th year at the club as a professional - Grayson has offered a new contract to Claus Jorgensen and is talking to Andy Morrell. He wants the striker to stay as a squad player rather than a regular starter.
But plenty have departed, most notably club captain Jackson.

"It was a very long and difficult day and it is hard to let players like Jacko go," added Grayson.

"I told them all face to face. Some might not have agreed with the decision but all I can do is be man enough to tell them to their face and explain my reasons for doing it.

"In Jacko's case we'd like to think that we are hopefully going to bring in a younger player who has a few different qualities.
"But I can't thank him enough for what he has done.

"He has been a role model but I think he is at a stage where he knows he still has at least a season or two in him and he wants to play football - and we couldn't guarantee him that at this club."

For his part Jackson admitted he was disappointed. "I thought I could play longer at this level but the gaffer has obviously decided that he needs to move on," said the 34-year-old.

"The most disappointing thing is tearing my hamstring and getting injured and the season just fizzling out for me.

"But I've got no regrets about coming to Blackpool in first place. What's happened in the last two years has been great."

There was no bitterness from John Hills either. He has endured a nightmare year since returning to his hometown club - starting just a single league game - and admitted he was relieved to have the chance to make a fresh start.

"The gaffer knows I have been very frustrated," said Hills. "I've been knocking on his door all season and trying to get out on loan because all I want to do is play football. If it's not at Blackpool then it has to be somewhere else.

"I want to play as many games as I can and enjoy my football and it's just been a very frustrating season.

"If I'd had another season like this it would have driven me crazy."
Keigan Parker's four-year Seasiders stay has also officially ended. The striker, who scored at Wembley in Pool's play-off success last year, has been linked with moves to Swansea and Nottingham Forest.
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