ANDY RITCHIE is prepared to play the waiting game over Chris Brandon.

The midfielder is on loan at League I promotion hopefuls Blackpool but still has a year to run on his Town contract.

Manager Ritchie says he would be happy to have the former Chesterfield man back at the Galpharm.

But he would also listen to any offer from Bloomfield Road counterpart Simon Grayson.

And that's unlikely to happen before Blackpool know what division they'll be playing in next season.

Grayson's side are guaranteed at least a play-off spot.

But they still have a chance of automatic promotion.

Brandon's straight red card in Saturday's 3-1 home over Scunthorpe means he is banned for the final game at Swansea this Saturday.

He would also be unavailable for the two play-off semi-final legs if Blackpool are involved.

Ritchie, who is plotting his own promotion push next season, is close to decisions over a number of out-of- contract Town players.

But he accepts he may have to wait on Brandon, whose loan switch to the Seasiders was sorted before his appointment.

"Chris is a player I like, and I know from talking to Simon Grayson that he's also been pleased with his contribution," said Ritchie.

"If Blackpool make an offer, I'd have to give it due consideration, because I have targets of my own and like most managers, the number coming in depends on the number going out.

"Clearly Blackpool's budgeting is going to depend on what division they are in, and that's out of my hands.

"If nothing transpires and Chris comes back here, that's fine, because I think he could do a job for us next season."

Town, currently 16th in League I, wind up the current campaign at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Ritchie is likely to wait until after that game to confirm the future of his out-of-contract players.

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