It may not have had the fairytale ending the fans wanted, but Blackpool’s time in the Premier League was one hell of a journey and one they can be proud of.
When teams get promoted into the top flight the usual remit is to avoid relegation and, although Blackpool ultimately failed to do that, they managed to catch the eye of several neutral fans, pundits and managers. Blackpool were a breath of fresh air in the 2010/11 Premier League and hopefully more of the future promoted sides can follow their example by showing great character and playing attractive attacking football.
Blackpool’s season has been a real roller-coaster so it is hard to know where to start. People are within their rights to say the Seasiders had a bad season in the top flight as they were relegated. But I still believe Ian Holloway has done an excellent job at the club. In the 2009/10 season Blackpool were among the favourites to be relegated from the Championship, so the fact they even spent one season in the Premier League, is a remarkable achievement. It was always going to be difficult for them to avoid relegation, but Blackpool were still in with a shout of staying up on the last day of the season.
Holloway is a vibrant jolly character, who always says it as it is. The Bristolian has his critics, like any other manager, but he is excellent at rising above things and taking the rough with the smooth. Understandably, he gets animated when decisions go against his side and then vents his frustration, but he is also quick to praise his players and the opposition.
After an emotional final day of the season, rather than simply wallowing in the sorrows of Blackpool’s relegation, he congratulated the sides – Blackburn, Wolves and Wigan – who had avoided the drop. But whether you love him or you hate him for what he says or does, Holloway has still done a remarkable job at Bloomfield Road. The fact he is often talked about or makes others laugh with his comments shows just what an impact he had this season….he will be missed.
Blackpool were not afraid to attack the opposition, even after some heavy defeats in the early stages of the competition. Holloway’s men scored 55 goals in the recently finished 2010/11 campaign, which is more than any other relegated side in Premier League history and definitely something to be admired.
Blackpool arguably had the toughest final-day assignment of the five sides battling for survival – a trip to champions Manchester United. Blackpool eventually lost 4-2, but two goals at Old Trafford highlights just what Blackpool are all about – showing no fear and giving it their all until the bitter end. They may have been relegated but I believe Blackpool proved a lot of people wrong this season – some people expected them to get one of the lowest ever points tallies but instead they fought hard until the final day of the season before eventually being relegated. I never thought I’d be saying this about a relegated side, but Blackpool really can be proud of their season.
It will not be easy for the Seasiders in the Championship, a division so tight that vying for promotion and being in the bottom half of the table are both realistic possibilities for next season. But if Blackpool do secure an instant return to the Premier League, we can look forward to more of Holloway’s wit in England’s top division.
Farewell Blackpool…gone but not forgotten. I think I speak for many neutrals when I say, I hope you return to the Premier League soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment