Blackpool had to agree to that before the FA and Football League gave the deal the go-ahead.

It's because Dickov has already played for City and Crystal Palace (on loan) this season. Under UEFA rules, a player can only sign for a third club in one season as a 93-day emergency loan.

That means Dickov's deal runs out the day before the May 4 home clash with the Hornets.

Pool boss Simon Grayson revealed this was why the deal did not get the green light until late on Friday afternoon.

Grayson explained: "We had a choice. Paul could either miss the Leicester game or the final game of the season because we could only sign him for 93 days.

"We had to compromise but those are the daft rules in place and you have to put up with them."

Dickov is hoping to get his career back on track at Blackpool.

He reckons he has a couple of years left in the game and wants to make up for lost time after a dislocated shoulder, a broken foot and a broken toe.

Dickov added: "I've had some bad luck with injuries of late but I've worked hard to get back to full fitness because I love football. I want to score goals for Blackpool."

"My match fitness isn't quite there, though I have played two friendlies recently, but I have trained non-stop for the last four weeks and I feel good.

Asked if it was sweet to score against one of his former clubs, Dickov said: "No, because I have fond memories of my time there, though a lot has changed at Leicester since. There has been a big turnaround of players and a few different managers.

"They were unfortunate on the day but I am sure they will be fine because they have fantastic players."

He wasn't the only one to get one over on the Foxes on Saturday.
Grayson remains a hero at Leicester, having become their first captain to lift a trophy at Wembley when they won the League Cup in 1996/97.