New Blackpool boss Lee Clark has told BBC Radio Lancashire that his new side can maintain their Sky Bet Championship status this season.

The Seasiders are sat rock bottom of the Championship table following the dismissal of Jose Riga last week.

The Pool have only picked up a mere six points from their first 14 league games, winning just once and are sat five points behind Clark's former employers Birmingham City. They are already seven points adrift of safety.

The 42-year-old was dismissed as Blues boss just a few weeks ago, after only one win in their last nine games. The Geordie-born manager gained media attention when he was manager of Huddersfield Town during 2008-2012 after going 43 games unbeaten, setting a Football League record.

He also famously kept Birmingham in the Championship on the final day of last season.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire, "It's a huge challenge without a doubt.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could do it. Nobody wants a relegation on their CV. I've been lucky enough in my career never to have that as a player, coach or a manager.

"I believe we can do it. It's been reinforced when I've worked with the players and seen the quality of the group.

"If someone says to me the only reason we'll stay in the division is if I've got to run the full length of the stadium and throw myself into those orange seats, with the fans, not a problem."

Clark will hope to bring in new players during the January transfer window, after his predecessor Riga clashed with Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston over transfer policy.

"If there are players available, I've spoken to the chairman, then there's possibility of a few coming in to strengthen the squad."

Clark's first game in charge of the Tangerines is at home to 10th-place Ipswich Town tomorrow (3pm kick-off).