As the season comes to an end Blackpool end with the kind of form that could and should have seen us so much higher in the table. At Bolton we started brightly and could have scored a couple before Matt Phillips scored with a fine strike from outside the area. With Ludo Sylvestre continuing in a rich vein of goalscoring we were in absolute control of the game as three minutes of injury time were shown. In a crazy couple of minutes we conceded twice, the second due to an unfortunate deflection.
While there were no more goals in the second half, we demonstrated the other side to our improvement with a solid defensive performance, while we still looked dangerous on the break.
This was maybe the swansong for this group of players as Paul Ince looks to put his stamp onto the team ready for a campaign hopefully looking upwards for next season. We have the core of a decent side, and after this season’s relegation scare, the Chairman should be looking to back his manager’s plans to rebuild the side in order to be competitive. I’d expect to see the overall squad numbers reduce, with maybe four or five incomers to strengthen the side, particularly up front.
Equally as important, I trust the pitch gets the best possible attention to give us a surface worthy of the passing football the team can produce. It’s been a real hindrance this season and the public deserve better after signing up for the discounted season tickets.
A season that promised so much at least sees us still in the Championship. Onwards and upwards.
STARMAN: Neal Eardley
