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