Upcoming Transport

Ipswich - February 16th - We will be running a minibus to this match.  Please contact Charlie or Phil if you are interested.

Pool Panel - Blackburn (h) win 2-0

Saturday saw another step in the evolution of this Blackpool side under Michael Appleton with the first home win.  After the initial 20 minutes or so when we started somewhat tentatively, a well worked goal gave the team the self belief to go on and dominate the derby game.

Although Rovers will point to their defensive failings, it was, from our perspective, a well worked effort, with the lively Delfuenso beating his man and putting over an inviting cross for the hard working Thomas to glance into the net.  After that, apart from chances we presented to them, I thought Rovers were never in the game.

The tighter shape we now have allowed Gomes to prompt and create behind the front men and he enjoyed that role.  At left back, Bob Harris came in for the ever dependable Crainey and did well, getting forward more and testing the keeper with a wicked free kick.  Defensively, Broadfoot and Cathcart are developing as a partnership, while Baptiste is good enough to play anywhere in that back line, and has regained confidence at right back.  Gilks has also got over a dip in form and was back to his best, making a couple of good saves, while commanding his box far more. 

All in all, a good three points against a team who will fancy themselves to be up there at the end of the season.  We meet another pre-season favourite on Friday night in Wolves and can get right back into the mix with a further three points.  On this form, why not?

STARMAN:  Craig Cathcart

New Badges - Tower Power

We've taken delivery of the new "Tower Power" badge design. We're charging £3 for one, but we'll do the pair of the two designs for £5.  

Please see either Phil or Wilf if you are interested in purchasing one.  They are already prooving quite popular - so best be quick!!!

Pool Panel - Crystal Palace (a) Draw 2-2

I thought we came through a real test at Selhurst Park.  With the recent history we have with their manager, it could have been all about him, but instead the team ensured it was all about the game itself. 

In the first half especially it was us who were setting the pace, playing fluent, attractive football that probably deserved more than a one goal lead.  Wes Thomas was leading the line well, holding the ball up and bringing others into the game.  In a way, it was a shame the halftime whistle came because in the second half, we were never quite as fluent and the home side started to dominate.

I don’t like to complain about officials, but I thought both of their goals had a touch of offside about them, the second in particular.  Supposedly these things even themselves out, but I can’t remember the last time we got the benefit of the doubt.

To fall behind and then come back and get an equaliser again showed the self belief and resilience with this group of players.  When the goal did come, Dicko celebrated in great style, joining us fans in the stands.  A richly deserved point and one that means we can finally bury the ghost of Mr Holloway and properly start the new Appleton era. 

Yes, we are drawing a lot of games, but the confidence is coming back to the squad and we are still handily placed in a very tight Division.  I’m confident we have the players to make another push.

STARMAN: Wes Thomas  

Pool Panel - Birmingham (h) Draw 1-1 & Peterborough (a) Win 4-1

A week of steady improvement.  On Tuesday night, the run of draws continued as, despite scoring first, we again conceded a loose goal and couldn’t force our way to find another.  The pitch was of concern, cutting up badly and possibly affecting the confidence of the players in trying to play a quick passing game.

At London Road, there was no such excuse, but in the first half we again lacked a little zip while being comfortably in the game.  In the second half there was a real transformation, helped by getting a two goal cushion in short time.  We then played like the Blackpool of old, passing around the ball at pace and being available to receive and give a pass.  Once again we conceded another needless goal, but were quickly onto the front foot again with a third goal.  Ince’s fourth was a real beauty and acted as the icing on the cake.  The lack of a win under Appleton was beginning to be a burden to the players but hopefully we can now move on and show our true strengths.

Next week of course, has our first match against Ian Holloway.  Regardless of the result, I think it gives both the fans and the club the opportunity to move on into a new era.  There has been a definite hangover since he left which has left an air of uncertainty around the club.  This game will be cathartic whether we win, lose or draw.

Onwards and upwards.

STARMAN: (Birmingham) Tiago Gomes

STARMAN: (Peterborough) Tom Ince

Pool Panel - Watford (h) 2-2

Another point rescued from the jaws of defeat, but in all truth, we should never have been in that situation.  Once again, costly defensive errors gave us a mountain to climb.  Appleton has to continue working with the defence to act as a unit; individually they are decent players but time and time again silly mistakes cost us.

Watford had four shots at goal on Saturday and scored with two of them.  It’s the same old story for Blackpool and until we resolve the defensive conundrum we will continue to have to do more than we need to.

After a first half in which we gave away a two goal lead, at least we had the resolve and the ability to rescue a point.  The introduction of Osbourne into midfield gave us a real platform to build from and we were always threatening in the second half.  If only we could do that for 90 minutes; we are due to give someone a real hammering.  The resilience in the side meant we plugged away and got our reward deep into stoppage time for the second week running.

While still finding his feet, Appleton has identified where our strengths and weaknesses lie.  Hopefully he can get the best out of the squad which remains one which can challenge in the higher echelons of the Division.  I hope he can find the right blend starting on Tuesday against Birmingham.

STARMAN: Nathan Delfuenso

Pool Panel - Bristol City (away) Draw 1-1

A long trip to Ashton Gate was eventually rewarded with us gaining another point.  When it gets to injury time and you’re losing, a point is a fair result, but in all truth, this game should have been sewn up before then.  I thought we missed the promptings of Taylor-Fletcher and Phillips, and as a result, we never quite clicked despite having the better of the game.

Most of the action was in the Bristol half of the pitch, but we never quite made clear enough chances, with Grandin in particular, anonymous, after a few decent performances from him.  Their keeper was man of the match with a string of great saves, one in particular from Tom Ince, when the ball came back off the post from a shot by Delfuenso.

The positive to be taken was that we moved up the table and closer to the play off positions and there are signs that we’re not far off being back to our best.  In my opinion, it comes down to confidence, and only a decent win will give the side that self-belief.  If we can score first in a game then I’m sure we’ll go on to win comfortably.

This was effectively Appleton’s first game in charge with his ideas in development.  Early indications are that we will be harder to beat away from home, with a tighter defensive shape, but we still have the players to counterattack to good effect.  Ince in particular scared them all afternoon.

Two home games now give us a real chance to get wins and move up.

STARMAN: Thomas Ince

Next Meeting - Barnsley - 25th November

The next Yorkshire Seasiders meeting will be held in in Barnsley at the Old Number 7 pub. 

The Old No.7 is an excellent place with a superb range of beers available – and more importantly it is run by a Blackpool fan!

The Old No.7 is conveniently located for the Train Station and should hopefully make it easier for those located in the South of Yorkshire to attend.

http://www.oldno7barnsley.co.uk/

This will be our annual general meeting, where we vote on appointments to the board for the year going forward.  Phil and I will circulate a report on our activities for the year ahead of the meeting and a proposed agenda in advance. 

It would be great if as many people as possible could attend.

Pool Panel - Sheff Wed (away) won 2-0 & Bolton (home) draw 2-2

The start of a new era with four points from two games.  On Tuesday night, we were over the shock of the departure and played like we all know we are capable of, comfortably beating Wednesday on their own pitch under the tutelage of Steve Thompson.  We put on a real midfield passing show, with Grandin and Sylvestre pulling the strings and Ince and Phillips terrorising their fullbacks.

The following day saw the unveiling of Michael Appleton as the new manager.  I wish him all the best for the future.  He comes into a set up with a good squad of players who, with a little direction, can be a force in this Division.  I don’t envisage wholesale changes, just some input into defensive organisation which will make all the difference.

In his first game in charge, Appleton would have seen that we are dangerous going forward, scoring two goals, including a beauty from Ince, and possibly deserving more.  Yet again, two calamitous errors cost us at the other end as first Baptiste and then Crainey made mistakes allowing the opposition to score, where they didn’t really create a lot all afternoon.

At least we showed that we are resilient, coming back twice to draw level.  The squad has the ability and I see no reason why we can’t be involved at the end of the season.  With a week to get to know his players, next Saturday will be the first when he can put his own stamp on things.  Interesting times.

STARMAN:  Ludo Sylvestre (Sheffield)

STARMAN: Tom Ince (Bolton) 

Pool Panel - Forest (home) Draw 2-2 and Brighton (home) Draw 1-1

Two home games in a week and two points to show for them, but the performances are showing a distinct improvement.  On Tuesday against Forest we again shot ourselves in the foot with poor defending but showed great resilience to turn it round only to drop two points through a lack of communication.  That repeated itself on Saturday as a shambolic goal allowed Brighton an undeserved foothold in the game.

However, all in all, I’m confident that a corner has been turned as we also played some excellent football going forward, only to squander numerous chances.   Without a doubt, we thoroughly deserved all three points on Saturday.  For me, it’s down to a lack of confidence, as the same players were scoring freely earlier in the season when confidence was high.  It’ll only take an early goal for us to go on and hammer someone soon.

A major distraction has been the unwanted speculation about Ollie’s future.  The sooner the likes of Blackburn, Burnley, Crystal Palace and even Ipswich appoint someone the better, so long as it’s not our man.  I see it as a case of unfinished business for Mr Holloway with us.  The team are on the cusp of returning to our earlier form and I genuinely believe that we can go straight up, and that he is the man to deliver that.

The sooner that is resolved, the better for the club and we can get back to winning matches in our customary exhilarating style.

STARMAN: Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Forest)

STARMAN: Elliot Grandin (Brighton)

Pool Panel - Burnley (a) Lost 1-0 ...

Although the final result shows another defeat, I thought that we acquitted ourselves better at Burnley, especially in the second half.  It’s frustrating that yet again we conceded to a back post header but at least we had our own chances, and if GTF had scored instead of the keeper making a wonder save, I don’t think anyone would have argued that we were value for a point.

It’s all too easy to get carried away as a fan, so every defeat seems the end of the world, while every victory is a sign that we are going to be champions.  If we take the positives from the game into the Forest match, then I’m sure we can turn round this slump in form and get right back into the promotion mix.

I’d like to see an unchanged side, as it seemed to take the first half for the team to settle into any kind of rhythm.  For whatever reason, we seemed to be taking time to size up situations, by which time, the moment had passed.  All too often we were seeing the right ball to play, but the execution was off. It all comes down to fine margins.  Earlier in the season we were slick and fast moving; now there is hesitancy.   Football the way we try and play is all about confidence, and at the moment we are just slightly off it.

Keep the faith and fully support the team on Tuesday night.

STARMAN: Matthew Gilks

Away Travel - Bristol City Away - 17th November

Bristol City Away – November 17^th

With the international break upon us, and the away trips immediately after being quite local, the next mini-bus planned is for the game against Bristol City on November 17th.  Please let Phil or Charlie know if you would like to attend and we will get in touch with arrangements closer to the time.  

The Burnley game is a 5.20pm kick off - a few of us were thinking about meeting in Leeds before hand and having a few drinks before catching the train to the game - please let us know if you would like to join.

 

Pool Panel - Hull (a) and Charlton (h)

A few weeks ago, Mr Holloway made the point that it would be the most consistent teams that would end up at the top of the table come the end of the season.  How maddening then, to play well at Hull, coming away with three valuable points, then abjectly surrender all three at home the following Saturday.

At Hull, we started brightly, playing neat attractive passing football and got our reward through a well taken goal from Matt Phillips.  We were good value for the lead but then let in a goal from nowhere as Aluko shot from distance.  Yet again, we came out sluggishly and were punished with a second goal, but had resilience and ability in abundance to fight back and prevail with a fantastic overhead kick from Dicko.

As a consequence, I went to the Charlton game knowing we’d be full of confidence  and capable of building on that.  In the first half that was borne out as we dominated possession but had nothing to show for it.  Yet again, we started the second half sluggishly, and yet again conceded from a setpiece, but this time were unable to get back into the game.  We seemed to lose balance as we threw forwards on to get it back, and ended up going long with absolutely no end product.

There’s a fortnight’s break to put it right, but for me, we need to stick with the patient passing game, not panic and go long.  When we keep the ball,we are a match for anyone but the team don’t seem to have the belief.

STARMAN: Gary Taylor-Fletcher

Well done Glynn!

CONGRATULATIONS TO GLYNN FOR COMPLETING HIS SPONSORED BIKE RIDE

FROM WAKEFIELD TO BRIDLINGTON.

A massive well done and pat on the back to Glynn, managed to raise a fantastic £700 for save the children.

We all wish him the best of luck for next year, hopefully the swelling will have gone down by then :-p

Pool Panel - Huddersfield (h) and Cardiff (a)

A bad week with two dispiriting defeats, characterised by a lack of what has worked well for us to date.  In both games we haven’t really got the ball down and kept the ball, allowing other teams to impose their game on us, rather than the other way round.  At least at Cardiff, we did start and finish OK but were undone by gift goals.

In  both games,we have made basic individual errors, gifting goals that have then had us chasing the game.  The usually impeccable Gilks has made a couple of uncharacteristic positional errors which hasn’t helped.  After the Reading game last season, we put emphasis on defensive solidity and it paid dividends as we immediately looked better, keeping a number of clean sheets, giving us a platform to go on and win games. 

I’d like to see us return to that mindset, starting at Hull.  We will always have a goal threat about us; if we can work well as a defensive unit when not in possession we can return to the convincing displays from earlier in the season.

Having said that, the season is only just beginning, so there is time to put things right; we remain only three points off the top despite our current blip, so there is no need to throw out the baby with the bathwater.  We have a good squad of players, and I’m sure the manager will get the best out of it.

STARMAN: Angel Martinez

Pool Panel - Middlesborough (h) - Win 4-1

Tuesday night against Middlesbrough was a fantastic display from Blackpool who played some magnificent football on their way to a 4-1 win.  It could have easily been double that but for some fine saves by Steele.  In addition, the way we played, with pace, power and no little skill was a joy to watch. 

Bear in mind that for two games running we’ve made six changes, so it’s fair to say that we now have strength in depth, with no-one able to forecast the side accurately, yet the side doesn’t look any weaker for it.  We’ve now got the squad I wish we’d had when we were in the Premier League, as changes can be made to suit the circumstances without weakening the side.  In our previous stint, while we had a decent side, it became clear as the season wore on that we simply had no cover, and so faded as games went on.

Now we have a real squad, and although it’s early in the season, we are playing with a sense of urgency and determination, as if to prove that we belong in the top flight.  I write this before the Huddersfield game, and there are tough games to follow at Cardiff and Hull, but I really believe that if we are still well up the table by the end of October, we could see a Blackpool side go up automatically.  It’s nice to have expectations, and this team are more than capable of delivering them.

STARMAN: Nathan Delfonso

Yorkshire Seasiders Meeting - September 2012

We held our meeting at the Scarborough Taps yesterday, which was well attend – with 8 people turning up.  The below is just a quick summary of what was discussed and out coming action points…

1. Away Travel

Cardiff Away – Sept 29^th

We have hired a 17 seater mini bus for this trip and currently have room for a couple more supporters.

We will be departing from Leeds at 08:45 and looking to pick up at Sheffield Meadow Hall station at around 09:30.

We can arrange to make stops for pickups anywhere down the M1, so please let us know if you would like to come along.

We have agreed to use some of the excess club funds to cap the price of this trip to £15 p.p. (more on this below).

Bristol City Away – November 17^th

We will be running a  mini bus to this match, so please let us know provisionally if you would like to attend and we will get in touch with firm arrangements closer to the time.

Other Matches

There are no other long distance matches that we would plan on running a mini-bus to now until next year – with Wolverhampton probably being the next.  All our upcoming away games look fairly local otherwise.  We do not usually run mini buses for London games, as trains are the more popular choice – Train tickets are now available to book for Peterborough and Crystal Palace away and are looking fairly cheap.

If anyone does need a lift to any game, home or away, please feel free to get in touch – we can usually manage to accommodate a couple of extra fans between us all!

2. New Merchandise

We have agreed to do a run of badges using the new Tower Power logo.  Phil is making enquiries to his designer and will place an order for either 50 or 100 badges, depending on cost.  We expect the charge to be in the region of £250 for 100 badges.

If the design is a success and people like it, then we will look into producing other merchandise lines – such as t shirts, caps, mouse mats etc.

    

3. Funds

We currently have a decent reserve of funds in the bank – around £750.  Whilst some of this will be tied up with badge production etc, it was decided that we should look to reduce capital if possible.

It was decided not to sponsor a player this season, as the cost is £420 (inc VAT) and this would eat up most of our remaining funds but it was agreed that we would reconsider this next year.

The meeting voted in favour of using some of the available funds to subsidise the cost of mini-bus travel in a hope that this may encourage more people to travel with us.  It was agreed that the first match we would try this for was the upcoming Cardiff away game and that we would subsidise the cost of travel per person by £2-£3 to keep the per person cost down to £15. If this is a success then we would look at repeating this again for the Bristol City away game. 

There was some concern, raised by the Chariman and Vice Chairman, that this would just serve to benefit the same people each time but the consensus was that anyone was free to travel with Yorkshire Seasiders and that if more people wanted to travel with us because of it being cheaper then this would be a good thing.

4. Bill Ayre Tribute Night – 5^th October

It was agreed that Yorkshire Seasiders would book a table at the Billy Ayre tribute night on Friday 5^th October. 

If you would like to attend then please let us know.

Tickets are £15 per person.

5. Next Meeting – Annual General Meeting – November 25^th

We propose to hold our next meeting in Barnsley at the Old Number 7 pub (to be confirmed).  Many of you will  have visited the pub ahead of the game on Saturday and, if you did, I am sure you would agree it is an excellent place with a superb range of beers available – and more importantly it is run by a Blackpool fan!

The Old No.7 is conveniently located for the Train Station and should hopefully make it easier for those located in the South of Yorkshire to attend.

http://www.oldno7barnsley.co.uk/

This will be our annual general meeting, where we vote on appointments to the board for the year going forward.  Phil and I will circulate a report on our activities for the year ahead of the meeting and a proposed agenda in advance. 

It would be great if as many people as possible could attend.

Please feel free to contact either Phil or I if you have any questions, look forward to seeing you at a game soon

Charlie

Pool Panel - Barnsley Away - 1-1

An excellent turnout of Seasiders fans at Oakwell after the fortnight’s break probably came away slightly frustrated that we didn’t pick up three points, although Barnsley played their full part in what was a very entertaining game.

After an early scare when Gilks saved low to his post, Blackpool exerted control of the game and created a number of half chances without really clicking into full, fluent mode.  Banrsley then scored against the run of play when it appeared that Gilks maybe could have done better with the cross shot. 

We again took control though and got a fully deserved equaliser as GTF and Martinez combined well before Martinez slipped a lovely ball into Tom Ince’s path.  His pace took him away from the defenders before coolly slotting the ball past the keeper.  Unfortunately we were unable to convert a number of good chances as the second half wore on with the keeper in inspired form, saving well from Gomes and Ince in particular.

So only a point to show for it and the result means that we slip a place in the table, but we have played an additional game away from home.  Tuesday night against Middlesbrough is a stern test, but if we play to our abilities I have no worries about winning the game. 

These are heady days to be a Pool fan, with slick flowing and most importantly, winning football on offer.  If possible, get down to Bloomfield Rd and see for yourself.

STARMAN: TOM INCE 

Next Meeting - Sunday 16th September

Next Meeting – Sept 16^th

The next meeting will take place the Sunday following the Barnsley game  – Sunday 16^th September. 

The venue will be the Scarborough taps to start off with, but we can move on to elsewhere afterwards, if people are interested.   

The Scarborough Taps (or Scarborough Hotel as it is officially called) is located on Bishopgate in leeds, just opposite the station, so is perfect for those travelling by train from other areas of Yorkshire.  If you need directions please see the following link:

Scarborough Taps

As usual it will be a 12.30 start, but if people could aim to arrive for just after 12 that would be great. 

Hope to see you then!

  

Away Travel - Cardiff away - Saturday September 29th

We have booked a 17 seater coach from Arrow in Bradford for this years trip to Cardiff.
We currently have 12 people booked on in advance, so have room for a few more.
We will be setting off from Leeds city centre at around 08.45 and making another pick up at Meadowhall at 0930 - We can also pick up anywhere along the <1.

Please let Phil or Charlie know if you would like to come on this trip...

Lets pray for no snow or pissed up Jaguar drivers this year, and for another 3-1!

Pool Panel - Season So Far...

Only four games into the season and a fortnight off.  At least it gives us some time to take stock of how we’re doing.

For me, the defeat at Leicester was a bit of a reality check as we’ve got off to such a good start.  Although we lost to a penalty given after the best tackle of the game, overall we failed to match up to Leicester’s aggression and drive, apart from spells at the end of each half.

In the previous three games, it’s been us setting the tempo, by pressing when not in possession, and keeping the ball, frustrating the opposition when we do.  We need to maintain that template and I see no reason why this season might be a truly memorable one.

It seems to me that we have major strength in depth, with the bench now made up of players who are all probably deserving of a starting position.  Compare that with the season we had in the Premier League, and we’ve progressed, as back then, we matched teams for an hour, grew tired but the substitutes were unable to influence the game.

Broadfoot is able to play in a number of positions across the back four, so I would anticipate than any moves in the loan market would be for a forward to add an additional cutting edge to what we already have.

In summary, so far, so good.  Let’s hope we can maintain the current momentum, starting at Barnsley.

Charity Bike Ride - Wakefield to Bridlington

One of our own Yorkshire Seasiders, Glynn Clarke, is participating in a charity bike ride from Wakefield to Bridlington on 15th September in aid of Save The Children.

For anyone who would like to support Glynn in this great cause, there are a couple of ways to donate:

1. Visit the Just Giving page
   
2. Text HBRU59 (followed by donation £??) to 70070

Glynn is aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity and all sponsorships would be gratefully received.

 

The 73 mile bike ride takes place on the same day Blackpool take on Barnsley at Oakwell, so be sure to spare a thought for Glynn while we're giving the Tykes a good thrashing!

 

Good luck Glynn!

Pool Panel - Leicester away - Lost 0-1

So the great run finally comes to an end and frustratingly, in front of the TV cameras...

I thought we were suckered into playing Leicester at their own game, only playing our short passing game in the last quarter of each half.  When we did, we created a number of chances and could have taken something from the game, as while Leicester were getting forward a lot, I thought our defence coped very well with them..

Of course, the final score was controversially through a penalty that never was.  I was 120 yards away at the other end of the ground and it was clear from there that Gomes had got a foot to the ball.  For a Premier League referee to allow the crowd to influence him in such a way says more about the standard of refereeing than anything else.

The positive to take is that we are still top of the League going into a fortnight’s break, a position that we would all have settled for as the season started.  Hopefully, the fortnight will allow the new signings to bed in and play a full part in what has been a great start to the season.

STARMAN: Alex Baptiste

Awy Travel - September

Leicester Away – Sept 1

No formal travel arrangements have been made, but a number are taking cars.  If you would like to go then get in touch with Phil (corbett.philip2@googlemail.com) and he will try and help with arranging a lift.

Barnsley Away – Sept 15th

Obviously, this is a local game for most of us so think most will be going on the train.  However, if you do require a lift let us know and we will try and help you sort something out.

Prior to the game, we plan on drinking at the Old No 7. Pub (http://www.oldno7barnsley.co.uk/) which is run by a Blackpool Fan and has recently been voted Barnsley CAMRA pub of the year.

Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there!

Cardiff Away – Sept 29

This will be the first YS trip of the season.  We are looking at putting on a mini bus and are gauging interest as to potential size.  Please let Phil and I know if you would like to go.  Once numbers are confirmed we will email again with times, prices etc.

2012-2013 Season

Looking forward to the season ahead, I believe we are in a good position to challenge for honours.  The vast majority of the squad who went to Wembley in May are still with the club, and I see that as crucial.  At the start of last season, we’d been decimated by the loss of key players, and as a consequence, it took us a long time to find the best blend and find our feet.

There was also an element of feeling dejected about the way we just failed to keep Premier League status.  I sense a real determination to put that right, and the early season friendlies seem to point to a good passing style as previous, but also more urgency in pressing when we don’t have the ball.  The games against Wrexham and Everton have also given the fans the opportunity to say goodbye to Brett and Keith, players who have bled tangerine for us.  It says something when the manager feels he has the strength in depth to let players of that calibre leave.

While results mean nothing now, it must boost confidence to beat a strong Everton side quite comfortably, while giving a few of the younger development players a run out towards the end.

There is probably the need to still strengthen up front if only to give us options for a Plan B, but I genuinely think we can finally avoid the playoffs and push for an automatic spot. It’s a tight Division, with probably only Barnsley and Peterborough thinking that they are not in the running.  Everyone else will start off thinking they have a chance of at least a play off spot.  We can use our experience and togetherness as a squad to really go for it.

UP THE POOL   

Pool Panel - Millwall (a) Won 2-0

Here we go again!

Millwall (a) Won 2-0

Saturday was probably the most comfortable start to a season as we could have had.  On a very hot day, we dominated possession and looked a class above the opposition, with two Tom Ince goals being a fair reflection of the game.

The talk beforehand was all about Matt Phillips’ transfer request and opting not to play, but in truth, we didn’t really miss him, with Tiago Gomes coming into the side and providing some lovely touches, including an inventive flick that led to the first goal.  The other debutant was Isaiah Osbourne who again showed his value, giving us bite and height in the centre of midfield.

After a bright start from Millwall, it was Blackpool who took control, linking well all over the pitch, and pressing the ball when we didn’t have it, to the extent that we were then often gifted possession in good areas.

Defensively, I thought we looked very strong, with Evatt in particular, dominant as the game wore on and Millwall put in a series of crosses to try and get something from the game.

The result is a real confidence booster after a lacklustre performance against Morecambe, and leaves us top of the League for the third consecutive season after our opening game.  Obviously, it doesn’t mean anything with 45 games to go, but it’s a nice stat nevertheless.

Leeds will be more of a test midweek, but we’ve got off to a good, settled start which gives us something to build on.  If you can, get down and cheer on the lads.

STARMAN:  Ian Evatt

Yorkshire Seasiders - Annual Train Based Pub Crawl - The Ale Trail

This weekend, Saturday 23rd June, sees the annual Yorkshire Seasiders trip along the Ale Trail.

We are meeting in Leeds at around 11.00 in the Scarborough Taps, for a "starter" before strolling over to buy tickets and getting on the beer train...  Definite stops will be Dewsbury and Huddersfield, and we should aim to set a new target of Marsden!!

Hope you can join us for a good day out, and talk about the season ahead.

Seaside Panel - The Final - Best Team Lost

So we didn’t get the result we all wanted at Wembley, but I came away proud of the display and the way the team went about their game.

Ultimately it came down to us missing key chances, while they put theirs away, but that doesn’t mean that individuals should be brought to account for the result.  Last season, I was devastated because we were relegated; this time round, we just missed out on promotion and that is cause for celebration, not recrimination.

Even halfway through the season, the squad was still taking shape and developing.  I believe that if we can keep the vast majority of this team together, and more importantly, Ian Holloway, then we are better placed than over the last season to make a return to the Premier League.

The way we came so close on Saturday demonstrates that with a little judicious pruning of the squad, added to a few new faces, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be looking at automatic promotion, following in the footsteps of Reading, who failed in a playoff Final, learned from it and came back stronger.

It needs the will from the top to back the manager, who has demonstrated time after time that he knows what needs to be done. The club has never been in a better position to really cement itself as a force to be reckoned with.  I hope they see that and have the vision to back the manager fully.

Proud to be a Seasider

STARMAN: Angel Martinez

WEMBLEY PLAY OFF FINAL - TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Yorkshire Seasiders will be running two luxury coaches for the big trip to Wembley for the Play Off Final.  Coaches are equipped with air coniditioning, toilets and dvd players etc.  We have already filled one coach of 53 and spaces are filling on the second.
Departure times are yet to be confirmed but we can arrange to make pick ups anywhere down the M1 Corridor.

Prices are £30 for Adults and £20 Children.

If you are interested in travelling on the YS express, please contact Phil or Charlie.

UPDATE:
First coach is now completely full and second is approximately half way there.

Pick up places and approximate times are as follows:

Leaving Leeds at 9.00.

So far picking up at:

Scarboro Taps in Leeds
Junction 40
Junction 39 (Cedar Court)
Meadowhall
Woodall Services

Trowell Services Nottingham

We have finalised the coaches' pick up points. To speed up the journey the coaches will alternate the pick up points

Coach 1 will set off from Leeds at 09.00am; J 40 09.15; Meadowhall Park and Ride layby 9.30; Trowell Services 10.15

Coach 2 Again leaves Leeds at 9.00am; Cedar Court Hotel 9.15/9.20; J36 9.30; Woodall Services 9.45; Tibshelf: 10.00

Play off second leg - Birmingham (a) 2-2

So we are going to Wembley! 

After a tumultuous night at Birmingham, when we appeared to be coasting through, it was only after a heroic defensive performance that we confirmed our place, with the fans playing their part in keeping the atmosphere going throughout 90 minutes

.

From initial reports, ticket sales are going well to take our full allocation.  After the scenes we saw two years ago it would be fantastic to see another sell out in tangerine.  The team richly deserve it after going through the despair of relegation only to bounce back so magnificently.

West Ham will obviously go into the game as favourites after two comprehensive wins against us through the regular season.  However, I believe that they will be coming up against a completely different side, in terms of attitude as much as personnel.  I see the defeat at

Reading as a turning point, as since then, the defence have really stepped up to the mark, attacking the ball aggressively rather than waiting and reacting.  The run of clean sheets is a clear demonstration of that.  No matter what Sam says, West Ham must go into the game with a sense of superiority and we can exploit that, in our favoured role as underdogs.

All to play for, and in effect, a game without pressure for us.  Yes, we want to get back into the

Premier League, but for West Ham, the pressure is all the greater.  Again, we can use that to our advantage and revel in the occasion.

See you at Wembley!

STARMAN:  Ian Evatt .

Pool Panel - PLAY OFFS - Birmingham (H) Won 1-0

A great night at Bloomfield Rd when the team completely outplayed Birmingham but failed to capitalise on some great chances to kill the tie.  Right from the off, we had their attack shackled while we, and Ince in particular, were creating havoc in their defence.

It’s not so much the final score as the performance that was so pleasing and I see no reason why we can’t go down to St Andrews and do the same.  They will be expecting us to try and sit back and defend what we have, but we just don’t do that.  The new found defensive solidity has given us a real platform to control games and with both Ferguson and Angel running the show in the middle, and Dobbie a real threat off the front men, we look a well balanced side.

I thought GTF had a great game, with intelligent headers and touches getting his fellow forwards involved at all times.  All in all, a great performance that sets us up to progress.  In many ways, history seems to be repeating itself as we now go to a team with a good home record, but 10 consecutive playoff wins demonstrates pretty conclusively that we revel in this format.

What is so heartwarming is that we can go into such a pressure game and enjoy it.

Finally, it would be fitting if we can progress on Wednesday night as a tribute to the fan who so sadly passed away during the game.  My condolences to his family at this time.

STARMAN: THOMAS INCE

Play off away leg - travel plans

Pick up times for the minibus to Birmingham on Wednesday are as follows:

Scarboro Taps, Leeds 3.15 (me, Brendan, Matthew, Charlie, John and Joe)

M1 Junction 40 3.35 (Glynn and Kate)

M1 Junction 39 3.45 (Steve W) 

Meadowhall 4.05 (Paul , Chris W, Pete, Pete's Dad, Harry and Jay)

Play Off Matches

So we know how the playoffs work out.  We are at home to Birmingham on Friday night.

We have booked a minibus for the Wednesday 9th May for the Birmingham away game. After today's meeting we already have 14 places booked, so please let Charlie or Phil know if you are interested in going with us to travel to St Andrews...

Tickets go on sale tomorrow to Band A STHs so that might influence your decision!

Should we make Wembley, we will be putting on transport and I'll be in touch, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Pool Panel - Millwall (a) Drew 2-2

Saturday didn’t really have an end of season flavour to it, with weather more suited to midwinter and a number of changes contributing to a disjointed start to the game.  With Millwall in good form going into the game, they started brightly and created a number of chances.  We also contributed to our own downfall with a number of misplaced passes and it was from one of those that they broke and duly scored with a coolly sidefooted finish from Keogh.

That seemed to wake us up and we took control of the game, winning plenty of possession in midfield and exerting pressure.  We equalised through a good header From Evatt as he threw himself at a cross from Crainey.  By half time we really should have been in the lead after a poor backpass was intercepted, but Ince failed to make the ost of the chance presented.

Second half we continued to dominate and duly took the lead with a lovely goal.  A number of passes culminated with a crossfield ball to Crainey who put it back across the face of goal first time, for Dicko to score from close in.  After that we were cruising until we decided to give a few players a run out ahead of the playoffs.  As a consequence we sat a little deeper and paid the penalty.

We are now faced with a double-header against Birmingham for a place at Wembley.  Without over-raising expectations, I think we have the capability to beat them, then it’s all to play for.

STARMAN: Keith Southern 

Pool Panel - Leeds (h) Won 1-0 & Burnley (h) Won 4-0

A great week for Blackpool in two contrasting games.  Tuesday saw us battle to three points by defending well against a physical side who tried hard to stop us at all costs.  The late goal from Martinez gave us a deserved win but it was close, with the result better than the style.

By contrast, in what was expected to be a close-fought local derby game, with pressure on the team to maintain their play off ambitions, the team went out and prevailed with an abundance of verve and class, scoring four goals, but again keeping a clean sheet and to a man, playing well, building on a great display from Gilks in the first half to go on and thrash Burnley.  It’s a great time to get back into form, with a place now confirmed in the playoffs and the fans starting to dare to dream again.

By contrast, the majority of our rivals have hit a bit of a lean spell, so we’ll go into the games in confident form.  Much of that is down to the manager keeping faith with certain players and also judiciously adding to the mix, whether by bringing back the likes of Martinez, or getting Dobbie in on loan, who has added that spark to our attacking play.

All the squad know that we have strength in depth in all positions, and are playing well to keep their shirts.

STARMAN (v Leeds): MARTINEZ

STARMAN (V Burnley) TAYLOR FLETCHER

PLAYER OF THE SEASON 2012

Still plenty of time to vote for the YORKSHIRE SEASIDERS 2011/2012 player of the season.

Please send all nominations to Charlie on charliemarkillie@eversheds.com

Thanks

Pool Panel - Notts Forest (a) Draw 0-0

An away draw at Forest doesn’t look the best of results, but they’ve been in good form recently and it showed.  The defensive solidity we’ve rediscovered stood us in good stead and we ground out a point that keeps us in the playoff spots for the time being.  While Forest had much of the play, I felt we defended strongly as a unit, making some great last ditch tackles and dealing comfortably with numerous corners.  When they did get in, Gilks was in fine form, although when he went down in the first half with what appeared to be a bad injury, you did worry for what it might mean for the rest of the season.  His reappearance at the start of the second half was one of the highlights.

For whatever reason, we just never got our usual flowing football going, frequently taking an extra touch, or checking back when it seemed a shot or opportunity to run was there.  The end result was that we failed to score for the first time in 2012, but managed our third clean sheet in four games and maintained our position in the table, with another round of games gone.

It’s all to play for now in the two remaining home games, starting with the game against Leeds on Tuesday evening.  They will be bursting for revenge after the mauling we inflicted in November, but I feel we have enough about us to get a vital win.

Congratulations to Fleetwood Town for their success.

STAR MAN:  Matt Gilks

Pool Panel - Watford (a) Win 2-0 & Barnsley (h) Draw 1-1

Monday 9th April 2012

All in all, a good Easter weekend, with four points gained and the teams below us failing to make up ground.

Friday at Watford was as accomplished a performance as we’ve put in all season, with a great travelling support rewarded with a skilful performance in the face of intimidatory tactics from Watford.  Dobbie’s first goal was worth the admission alone as he waltzed through the whole defence to score.  After that, we went on to dominate the game, with a good balance through the team, from a defence that stood firm to all that was thrown at them, and a pacy attack that looked likely to score at any point.  Martinez had a great game pulling the strings from midfield too.

The performance carried over to the home game with Barnsley.  After the early sending off of Keith Southern (harsh in my view, as both players were going for the ball, and nothing more), the expectation was that Blackpool would be under the cosh, but  we continued to run the game and created a number of chances.  To then fall a goal behind from a lucky deflection off Perkins’ face added to the pressure, but a well worked goal restored parity and in the end we were unlucky not to get all three points, with Evatt missing a golden opportunity late on.

Four games to go to the end of the season and we’re well placed to secure a play off position.  It’s in our own hands, and we’ve rediscovered our mojo.  Come on you Pool.

STARMEN:  Stephen Dobbie (Watford); Tom Ince (Barnsley)