Goal.com Blackpool Fanview: 'Ian Holloway's an absolute gem, not only as a manager but as a person'

Fans share their thoughts for the season ahead...

23 Jul 2010 07:41:00

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With the start of 2010-11 season approaching fast, we asked a supporter of every Premier League club to share with us their hopes, dreams and fears for the season ahead.

Blackpool Fanview | By Ian Outram
Blackpool Association Supporters In London



The target: Avoid relegation

Survival and to avoid humiliation. As probably the smallest club since the conception of
the Premier League to gain promotion to the top flight a huge task lies ahead to avoid
the drop without wasting millions of pounds on players' transfer fees, wages and agents.



My thoughts on the gaffer...

Ian Holloway's an absolute gem, not only as a manager but as a person. He says things as he sees them and doesn’t just come out with the same old responses you seem to get from virtually all other managers.

He also has a great outlook on the way the game should be played and what
he wants and expects from his players and all around him.



Our key man this season

In the absence of any pre-season signings so far I would say Charlie Adam, closely followed by David Vaughan.

Both play an influential role in the midfield with Adam being the
top goalscorer last season.



Youngster to watch

Brett Ormerod! Seriously though Billy Clarke, a young striker with pace and potential.

Very direct and always looking for the goal. Given a regular run and chance to prove his worth he will find the back of the net.




A player who must deliver

Due to the size of the squad and the financial constraints the club is managed under then all the players will have to deliver. Ian Holloway won’t accept anything less.

Blackpool's success last season and its hopes to survive this season are built on team ethic, hard work and a never-say-die attitude.



Our Achilles' heel

Defence. Promotion was gained by playing a fairly cavalier and attacking style of football.

It was great to watch; however, it will need to be adapted slightly for the Premier League.






"Due to the size of the squad and the financial constraints the club is managed under then all the players will have to deliver."
Fixture I am looking forward to the most...

Wigan Athletic v Blackpool August 14. There are too many to mention but our first fixture back in the top flight after 40 years stands out.

As a Lancastrian, the local derbies with Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers are enticing.

We also haven't played a league game against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa for a long time.
Our toughest opponents will be...

All of them for varying reasons. Chelsea and Manchester United for the obvious reasons.

Also, all the teams fighting for survival with us will be difficult matches.


Player we love to hate
Blackpool fans always seem to have one. Jason Euell took some stick last season but this season I think all the hate and vitriol will be reserved for all England's prima donnas and perennial failures from the World Cup 2010 squad.




My verdict
As we play Manchester United at Old Trafford for the last game of the season I hope Blackpool will be having an influence at the top of the table as well as the bottom.  Survival is the name of the game. I can't see the club lifting any silverware but last season Blackpool were everyone's favourites for relegation and look what happened.


To join Blackpool Association Supporters In London, please e-mail basilseasiders@hotmail.co.uk

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