Season 2014/2015 -
Week 2 - Shrewsbury (a) Lost 2-0 and Blackburn (h) Lost 2-1
Another defeat but plenty of signs that we’re not that far away. After Tuesday’s ignominious exit from the Capital One Cup, on Saturday we showed plenty of resilience, skill and effort but unfortunately came up short.
I’m taking the view that up to the international break in early September, we’re in our pre-season as a direct consequence of the failure to recruit until the last couple of weeks. Anything gained from games between now and then will be a bonus. Having said that, for the first time in maybe 18 months I came away from Bloomfield Rd genuinely encouraged and entertained by what I’d seen. We gave Blackburn a real run for their money and deserved a point from the game. As we develop a better fitness level and understanding of the tactics from the manager, I’m sure we can be a force in the Division. It’s therefore scandalous that we’ve shot ourselves in the foot by having no preseason seemingly due to Karl’s intransigence over Riga’s transfer targets.
For me, it’s essential that Riga and Oyston develop some kind of relationship that enables the former to do what he is clearly capable of doing, ie coach and manage a team to play attractive, winning football. He needs the backing that will bring in the additional quality and quantity of players to give the fans what they crave; a team they can invest their backing in. Over the last couple of seasons we’ve seen the quality gradually ebb away along with the entertainment value. Riga is bringing that back. Long may it continue.
STARMAN: Peter Clarke (Shrewsbury); David Perkins (Blackburn)
Week 1: Notts Forest (a) Lost 2-0
After an utterly shambolic close season, we unbelievably turned up at Forest to discover that ‘administrative errors’ meant we couldn’t use some of our new signings. This meant that we could only field four players on the bench, only one of whom was an outfield player with any League experience.
For a club supposedly ‘cash rich and stable’ this is simply unacceptable and surely a full explanation must be provided and lessons learned so this doesn’t happen again. We were already miles behind the rest of the Division in terms of preparedness, so this is the final straw to the patience for many.
Despite these self-imposed handicaps I actually came away from the City Ground encouraged by what I’d seen. Riga has clearly worked with the players at his disposal and compared to the previous 18 months we were playing some decent football when we had the ball. Those players we have managed to get in look as if they’ll be comfortable at this level. Yes, we conceded twice and lost, but given the state of the summer we’ve had, this was a moral victory for Jose Riga. For me, the season hinges on whether his relationship with Karl Oyston is one that can be made to work. If he stays, and gets the support he deserves, then this season might still be one to remember.
The ball is firmly in Karl’s court. He has to back his manager otherwise the name of Blackpool FC will continue to be dragged through the mud.
STARMAN: Peter Clarke
Game 5 - Pool Panel - Watford (h) Won 1-0
What an immense performance and victory Saturday was. Despite fielding a patched up team with players out of position against one of the form teams in the Division, through sheer determination, a touch of luck and one fantastic piece of skill all three points were obtained.
Going in, we all knew that the squad was down to the bare bones, Basham and Bishop in defence showing just how stretched we were. In the first half, Watford really took the game to us, and it needed heroic defending, a brilliant goalkeeping display and some wasteful shooting to keep the score level.
A real turning point was the penalty save as that gave the team renewed determination, and the sense that it couldn’t be as one-sided in the second half.
So it transpired, as we took control of the midfield and began to create our own chances. Fuller was proving a real handful up front while Barry was displaying a masterclass of midfield dominance.
Unexpectedly, Ince came on and instantly created a different problem for the Watford defence with his direct running at them. The winning goal was a joy to watch, receiving the ball on the halfway line and running past three defenders before firing across the keeper into the net. After that, the new, professional Blackpool side saw out the game in some comfort to secure the win and go top of the Division.
As I write, there are 24 hours to the end of the transfer window. Ince needs backing now to build on this fantastic start.
STARMAN: Matt Gilks
Game 4 - Pool Panel - Reading (h) win 1-0
After a good start to the season, most fans were seeing the visit of Reading as the first real test of the current Blackpool squad. With a number of injuries in key positions, that squad was stretched to the limit, so to come away with a win and go top of the table is a great result. Apparently, this is our best ever start to a season.
The goal that won it also came from a local lad, Tom Barkhuizen, which makes the result all the sweeter. It’s been a while since we’ve had someone come through from the youth set up and having a local boy in the team helps with that indefineable spirit that has stood us in such good stead over the years.
In recent times, while our defence has had decent individual players, as a unit, we’ve been prone to concede soft goals. With the current side you have more confidence in them keeping a clean sheet, always a good base for any successful side.
With the squad down to the bare bones, and Matty Phillips going to QPR, it’s time for the manager to boost his squad. Right from the end of last season it’s been clear we are lacking a specialist right back and a creative midfielder who can bring our forwards into the game. As the transfer deadline approaches, Ince must be given the backing he needs. The signings he has brought in all seem to have the quality we needed, and with a couple of additions we can be a real force over the season.
STAR MAN: Gary Mackenzie
Game 3 - Pool Panel - Middlesborough (a) D 1-1
On hearing the team news, all Pool fans were thinking we were set up to keep it tight and hopefully nick a goal on the break or through a set piece. While no great spectacle, the tactics were working to perfection after Basham scored after a melee in the area, and we looked like taking all three points. There was some frustration after we let slip a goal very late on, especially since we’d defended so well up to that point, to the extent that I can’t recall Gilks having a save to make.
However, as we are still without a recognised right back, to be unbeaten after three games is a good start whichever way you look at it. Successful sides have always been those who have picked up points while not playing particularly well. From what I see of the team, we are still unbalanced down the righthand side and also lacking the creative midfielder to link defence and attack. In addition, a few players are lacking match fitness, but that will come, as will better understanding. As a consequence, I believe we can only improve. The next two games form a tough test, but if we can pick up points against two teams likely to be in the mix at the end of the season then we can start to believe in ourselves.
I must make mention of the applause from both sets of fans after 25 minutes for Gary Parkinson. The highlight of the day and one I hope brings him some succour in this difficult time.
STARMAN: Gary Mackenzie
What an immense performance and victory Saturday was. Despite fielding a patched up team with players out of position against one of the form teams in the Division, through sheer determination, a touch of luck and one fantastic piece of skill all three points were obtained.
Going in, we all knew that the squad was down to the bare bones, Basham and Bishop in defence showing just how stretched we were. In the first half, Watford really took the game to us, and it needed heroic defending, a brilliant goalkeeping display and some wasteful shooting to keep the score level.
A real turning point was the penalty save as that gave the team renewed determination, and the sense that it couldn’t be as one-sided in the second half.
So it transpired, as we took control of the midfield and began to create our own chances. Fuller was proving a real handful up front while Barry was displaying a masterclass of midfield dominance.
Unexpectedly, Ince came on and instantly created a different problem for the Watford defence with his direct running at them. The winning goal was a joy to watch, receiving the ball on the halfway line and running past three defenders before firing across the keeper into the net. After that, the new, professional Blackpool side saw out the game in some comfort to secure the win and go top of the Division.
As I write, there are 24 hours to the end of the transfer window. Ince needs backing now to build on this fantastic start.
STARMAN: Matt Gilks
After a good start to the season, most fans were seeing the visit of Reading as the first real test of the current Blackpool squad. With a number of injuries in key positions, that squad was stretched to the limit, so to come away with a win and go top of the table is a great result. Apparently, this is our best ever start to a season.
The goal that won it also came from a local lad, Tom Barkhuizen, which makes the result all the sweeter. It’s been a while since we’ve had someone come through from the youth set up and having a local boy in the team helps with that indefineable spirit that has stood us in such good stead over the years.
In recent times, while our defence has had decent individual players, as a unit, we’ve been prone to concede soft goals. With the current side you have more confidence in them keeping a clean sheet, always a good base for any successful side.
With the squad down to the bare bones, and Matty Phillips going to QPR, it’s time for the manager to boost his squad. Right from the end of last season it’s been clear we are lacking a specialist right back and a creative midfielder who can bring our forwards into the game. As the transfer deadline approaches, Ince must be given the backing he needs. The signings he has brought in all seem to have the quality we needed, and with a couple of additions we can be a real force over the season.
STAR MAN: Gary Mackenzie
On hearing the team news, all Pool fans were thinking we were set up to keep it tight and hopefully nick a goal on the break or through a set piece. While no great spectacle, the tactics were working to perfection after Basham scored after a melee in the area, and we looked like taking all three points. There was some frustration after we let slip a goal very late on, especially since we’d defended so well up to that point, to the extent that I can’t recall Gilks having a save to make.
However, as we are still without a recognised right back, to be unbeaten after three games is a good start whichever way you look at it. Successful sides have always been those who have picked up points while not playing particularly well. From what I see of the team, we are still unbalanced down the righthand side and also lacking the creative midfielder to link defence and attack. In addition, a few players are lacking match fitness, but that will come, as will better understanding. As a consequence, I believe we can only improve. The next two games form a tough test, but if we can pick up points against two teams likely to be in the mix at the end of the season then we can start to believe in ourselves.
I must make mention of the applause from both sets of fans after 25 minutes for Gary Parkinson. The highlight of the day and one I hope brings him some succour in this difficult time.
STARMAN: Gary Mackenzie
Game 2 - Barnsley (h) Won 1-0
Another League game and another win which, considering the current dearth of players available is a great return. We are clearly struggling to put out a team with Broadfoot and Basham being asked to play an unfamiliar role for both of them. It’s a testament to the players that they’ve not shirked the responsibility and given their all.
Saturday’s game started brightly, with the team playing with pace and verve, but the final ball wasn’t quite there. That allowed Barnsley to gain a foothold in the game, and the match settled into more of a stalemate, with a chance for Chopra after some nice interchange of passes being Blackpool’s best chance.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Ferguson taking control of the midfield and driving us forward. At the moment though, we lack the creativity to take advantage of the possession we have, with moves breaking down in the final third.
When the goal did come, it was from a fantastic long, fast throw from Robinson which the Barnsley defence were unable to cope with, despite the best efforts of Perkins on the line. On the balance of play, we possibly just about deserved to win; certainly we didn’t look like losing, with Gilks rarely tested.
The team has the potential to really build on this good start. With the addition of a quality right back; a creative midfielder to link play and the new players developing an understanding I see no reason why we can’t be a force in the League.
STAR MAN: Barry Ferguson
Season 2013/2014 - Game 1 - Doncaster (a) Win 3-1
After all the frustrations over the summer as we struggled to assemble a squad, to win and score three goals is a bonus.
Blackpool started brightly, creating a few chances, with Davies leading the line well. We’ve been lacking that type of player for a while so all credit to Paul Ince in identifying the need and getting a good player in. We took the lead by reacting well to a loose ball in the area, eventually tapping home into an empty net after twice coming close. After that, we were dominant to the point where I felt a little complacency set in, with us waiting for a goal to come rather than pressing home the advantage.
As a consequence, Doncaster got a foothold in the game and eventually scored from a corner. While I have nothing but praise for Kirk Broadfoot as a centre-half, he is not the solution at right back. Better teams than Doncaster will target that frailty and the sooner we resolve the lack of cover there, the better.
Despite them then having periods of possession, Gilks was rarely troubled but there was an element of frustration that we might have let two points slip, especially when Ince was clean through but shot wide. Gary Mackenzie then rose to the occasion with a proper centre half’s header. The icing on the cake came with a great finish from Ince into an empty net from distance.
All in all, a good result, better than the performance, but we can build from here.
STARMAN: Barry Ferguson
Last game of the season - Bolton (a) Draw 2-2
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
Final Home Game - Derby (h) Win 2-1
Finally, we got the win that secures Championship status for another season. It’s been a long struggle with the turmoil behind the scenes affecting performances, allied to an atrocious surface at home stopping us from playing the free flowing football that has served us so well over the past few seasons.
Despite numerous chances, we again stretched the nerves to breaking point through scoring the winner in injury time, but to be honest, it was nothing more than we deserved, with the woodwork hit on a couple of occasions and defenders also clearing off the line. After an early goal for once from the hardworking GTF, it looked like we’d cement the win with a penalty award, but Ince’s firmly struck shot came back off the foot of the post. That gave Derby a foothold in the game although while they had a deal of possession, Gilks was largely a spectator while Derby’s keeper made a number of saves.
We can play much better, but the objective was to remain in the Division and Ince senior now has the summer to get the squad he wants and instil the playing style that suits that group of players.
Before then, there is the small matter of a Lancashire derby game with Bolton Wanderers to look forward to. I trust the players are aware of the importance of this to the fans and aren’t already mentally on their holidays. In the week of the anniversary of our greatest triumph against the same opponents, this game means a great deal.
STARMAN: Gary Taylor-Fletcher
Forest (h) Draw 0-0 & Brighton (a) Lost 1-6!!
After the win last Saturday, the team haven’t quite reached the same standard, as a consequence have only picked up a single point. While we had the better of the possession against Sheffield Wednesday, hey had the clearer chances and ultimately we were grateful to Matt Gilks for fine saves both early on and also in injury time at the end.
The fans were there in numbers for the long trip to the South Coast in decent sunny conditions. However, right from the off the team weren’t on the pace, while Brighton were lively, dangerous and pacy. We never coped with them all day long and the first goal summed us up. Their player picked up possession just into our half, but we backed off right to the edge of the area before allowing a curling shot into the far corner with no challenge at any stage.
That set the tone for the afternoon, and for the first time in a number of seasons the team were unable to rise to the occasion and put in any kind of performance. I don’t believe that they think the season is over so didn’t put in the effort; it was more of a case of things just not happening and meeting an opposition at the peak of their game. We did it to other teams early on this season, so sometimes these things happen.
Next week’s last home game is an opportunity to put things right and mathematically finish off the season once and for all. We can and hopefully will, bounce back.
STARMEN: Matt Gilks (Sheffield ) Ludo Sylvestre (Brighton)
Burnley (h) Win 1-0
Despite picking up four valuable points on the road we were still in the relegation mix, but Saturday’s win against Burnley finally makes the table more pleasant reading. In all truth, the margin of victory deserved to be greater than the one vital goal we scored, with Blackpool starting brightly and playing some decent football to carve open some good chances, only for the likes of Delfounseo and Ince to mishit when close in. Phillps continued his recent return to form but hit three or four shots over the bar. Nil-nil at half time was somewhat disquieting as we had nothing to show for dominating the game, while Burnley had come close in their intermittent forays forward.
The second half continued in the same vein, but we managed to break the deadlock with a magnificent strike from Ludo Sylvestre. Over the last few weeks he’s come in from the periphery to be a key figure in the midfield, linking play well and now adding goals to his repertoire. As a consequence, the team has looked more balanced, with the defensive solidity brought in by Ince with the pairing of Mackenzie and Broadfoot now providing a base for a more dangerous look to us going forward.
It’s been a while but we finally have a defensive pairing who relish a physical challenge and also provide a threat from set pieces.
I’d like to think that we have more or less assured safety now and consideration needs to be given to signing up the bulk of this season’s team for a serious challenge next term.
STARMAN: Ludo Sylvestre
The Last Week Palace (h) Win 1-0 & Forest (a) Draw 1-1
Monday was a huge game for Blackpool, with the return of Holloway adding to the atmosphere. The early sending off of Barry Ferguson added to the mountain we had to climb, but we defended magnificently and always looked dangerous on the break. That paid off with a lovely strike from Matt Phillips who played himself back into form with a battling performance. I thought Delfouneso was magnificent leading the line, tackling back and working so hard to ensure we got something from the game.
We followed up that huge win with another battling point at Forest. Once again, we defended well, scored first with a great strike from Sylvestre and then suffered another harsh sending off. The linesman was clearly signalling for a push on Osbourne but the referee took it upon himself to show a red card.
As a consequence we again had to defend for a substantial period, looking to catch the opposition on the break. We also lost Mackenzie through injury and that proved too great a hurdle to cross, with Basham conceding a penalty late on.
However, four points with ten men against two teams in the playoff positions is a good return at this stage of the season, underlining the quality in the team and gives us a foundation to see us through to safety over the next two home games.
Paul Ince takes a lot of credit, making the right tactical changes along with the players who put themselves on the line. I’m much more upbeat about finishing the season strongly.
STARMEN: Delfuenseo (Palace); Baptiste (Forest)
A Free Weekend
The free weekend puts even more emphasis on how important the next game for Blackpool is. The game at Ewood Park takes on crucial importance after last week’s defeat to another of our relegation rivals.. With the gap at only four points, it’s essential that we get something out of the game. In all likelihood, a win goes a huge way to ensuring our safety, with maybe one more win needed after that.
The club has underperformed this season after such a promising start, disrupted by a succession of managerial changes and a sense of drifting along rather than taking the bull by the horns and really going for it. It’s been a frustrating season because in all truth, no one side has really stood out and looked better than us. The sooner we can ensure safety and put this season behind us the better. With eight games to go, I remain convinced that we have enough about us to ensure we gather the points needed to guarantee that and then go into a summer of change where Paul Ince can get the squad he wants and start afresh.
With two games over the forthcoming weekend, and a large support expected to travel to Blackburn, it would be great to get maximum points. That trip is followed by the return of Ian Holloway. He gave us three wonderful years, but it’s no time for sentiment as the need for the win is overwhelming.
It’s time for the fans to get right behind the team and ensure we survive; any recriminations can wait until after the end of the season.
Peterborough (h) Lost 1-0
After the win at Watford, it was vital that the team built on the momentum gained and also to ensure a team below us didn’t make any ground. The team started very brightly, buoyed with the confidence gained, making a number of chances, but the injury to Barry Ferguson after half an hour disrupted the shape of the team and we were never the same after that.
Inevitably we then allowed a crossfield ball to be headed back into the centre unchallenged where it was an easy finish for the onrushing midfielder. Try as we might, we were then unable to break down a massed defence and slumped to another home defeat, putting us back into the relegation mix.
There is now a fortnight to stew on the result and ensure we are better placed to go into two massive games against our recent ex-managers over the Easter weekend. To banish those relegation fears we need to take the chances when they come along. On the whole, we’ve tightened up defensively, with the new centre half pairing looking solid. However, we are not gelling going forward, with a number of promising opportunities being squandered as a consequence of a poor final ball, or a failure to make the right run.
Once again, the team seem afraid to play on the home pitch, which doesn’t help a team who try and play on the floor. I’m sure we’ll take a large following to Ewood Park, and that support could be crucial in gaining a vital three points.
Keep the faith.
STARMAN: Gary Mackenzie
Pool Panel - Birmingham (a) & Watford (a)
Tuesday night at Birmingham was essential in not losing ground to one of the teams around us, and a point was the least we deserved for a decent away performance, with us in control for much of the first half only to concede once again to a set piece. The turning point was the introduction of Ludo Sylvestre who immediately gave us more urgency going forward with his neat, one touch football. We were very close to scoring as Crainey overlapped and put a great ball across the face of goal, but scored from the resulting corner, with Broadfoot bundling the ball home from close in as Delfouneso created confusion with his first touch.
Watford are in fine form so not much was expected. For Paul Ince to get his first win there was therefore all the sweeter. We again had a few chances early on with Ince and Derbyshire both being denied by good saves, only to fall behind. The linesman inexplicably gave them a throw in, and then compounded his error by not picking up on the blatant foul throw; they broke at pace, we missed a tackle and they scored. Once again Ludo came on and made a difference and again Crainey overlapped with Ince taking advantage. After that, only one team looked like winning and it duly came after a scramble caused by Futacs making a nuisance of himself at a corner. A great win that makes us look much more secure in the Division. We need to build with victory against Peterborough.
STARMAN: Ludo Sylvestre (Birmingham); Tom Ince (Watford)
Pool Panel - Bristol City (H) Draw 0-0
Saturday saw the pitch as the key player in a game of little entertainment where neither side were able to impose themselves on that surface. Blackpool started brightly, with more movement than of late, and managed to get a couple of decent balls across the face of goal but were unable to get on to the end of them.
The longer the game went on though, the less the players were trusting the surface and resorted to going longer, playing into the defenders’ hands as a result. It could be said that the pitch is the same for both teams, but it’s us who has to play the most games on it, and it’s affecting confidence and the ability to attack as we would want, especially as we don’t have the personnel to play it long to a big man, hold it up and play from there. Four games without scoring tells its own story and one we must rectify and soon to go with our new found defensive solidity.
As part of that, the loan signing of Mackenzie shows promise, in that he came into the team and provided the commanding presence we’ve missed for quite a while. On that basis, Paul and his team seem to know what is required. I’d hope they are able to line up a forward from the same mould to give us an attacking focus.
Tuesday now becomes another crucial game, with Birmingham being another of those teams around us; for Ince to get his first win would be most opportune.
STARMAN: Gary Mackenzie
Pool Panel - Ince's First Week - Leeds (a) 0-2 & Leicester (h) 0-0
Welcome to Paul Ince as we finally made a managerial appointment. Unfortunately, we started with defeat at Leeds, despite playing our part in an end to end game. Once again, the lack of a finisher came back to haunt us allied to some defensive calamities gifting easy goals. It doesn’t seem to matter who is manager, we still have a propensity for allowing soft goals and failing to take advantage of promising situations.
For Saturday, changes were made to the midfield that made us more solid in defence but also somewhat limited us going forward. Once again the pitch also played its part, with us unable to get any passing football going, frequently resorting to the more direct approach. For once, we rode our luck, with Leicester missing a penalty, but with Schmeichel also making a number of decent saves, a point was deserved.
Ince Senior now has a full week to work with the team and get his ideas across. In my opinion, it’s a positive appointment in that it’s someone who has seen us play for the last eighteen months and hence knows both our strengths and weaknesses and therefore what can be done to rectify our current malaise. This season is now all about maintaining our status as a Championship club, starting with a massive game next Saturday against Bristol City. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s a must win, but a win would go a long way to making us safe.
STARMEN: Kirk Broadfoot (Leeds); Barry Ferguson (Leicester)
Pool Panel - Ipswich (a) Lost 1-0
This is turning out to be a season of disappointment summed up by defeat by a side no better than us. Once again, we were undone by a failure to clinically take what chances we had, while conceding through a lack of organisation.
First half, we more than matched Ipswich, creating a number of chances, with Gomes going the closest when he hit the post after a good passing move put him in the clear. That failure to take chances once again came back to haunt us. Broadfoot went off injured, and while we reorganised defensively, Chopra took advantage to find space down the middle and took the one clear chance that Ipswich created.
After that, despite plenty of possession, in all truth we didn’t create much, with Baptiste going closest with a header from a corner.
Paul Ince comes in to take over a squad that looks good on paper; the one thing in Ince’s favour is that he has seen so many of our games. While his son was the focus of his attention, he must have his own views on those surrounding him and will have a good idea of what will and won’t work.
This season is already over in terms of thinking about progressing. He has to come in and secure enough points to keep us in this Division and then be fully supported in developing the squad to be a force next time round. I wish him all the best in his new role.
STARMAN: Kirk Broadfoot
Pool Panel - Millwall (h) Win 2-1
Another week of turmoil at the club with us seemingly unable to finalise a deal to secure a couple of experienced managers and that was reflected on the pitch in the first half, as the team seemed unable to cope with the atrocious surface and looked sorry for themselves. Millwall could have been more than the one they were up and discontent was manifest in the stands with a number of chants aimed at the owners.
From the start of the second half it was different. The team didn’t allow the surface to dominate and played much better. Once Ince had equalised, it was basically one way traffic, with Angel playing well, ensuring that the ball was unfussily retained and directed wide. The substitutions gave us a better focus going forward and we were able to keep the ball higher up the pitch.
Despite that, it looked like another frustrating afternoon at Bloomfield Rd but then Delfueneso held off his man and coolly finished to release some that tension in the ground.
The consequence is that while we remain only six points off a relegation place, we are only three of seventh. It’s now essential that stability is restored through the appointment of a manager. Judging from the calibre of candidates that have been linked with the job, it would seem we are looking for an experienced man. On the face of it, that would seem to be a sensible move, but the longer we go on with the current uncertainty, the more dangerous the league position. We need to be decisive now.
STARMAN: Angel Martinez
Pool Panel - Wolves (a) Win 2-1
Another week goes by without a manager, leading to a feeling of instability for the fans and probably players. Despite that we secured three valuable points at Molineux, a place where we haven’t won since the mid 60s. Perhaps this is an omen that things are finally turning our way again.
Certainly the game had all kinds of emotions, conceding a breakaway goal after an early promising start, being denied a cast iron penalty when Baptiste was brought down from behind as he broke into the area. Our luck turned just before half time as Ince took full advantage of defensive hesitancy to prod the ball into the corner of the net and make it a much better half time for the travelling support who’d braved the treacherous journey.
Second half, that change of fortune continued as the ball fell to Ebanks-Blake close in but Gilks make a great blocking save to keep us in the game. In the end that proved to be Wolves’ best chance asa we took control without really threatening their goal. Out of the blue, Ince then cut in from the right and unleashed a terrific swerving shot that beat the keeper all ends up. A late sending off for Johnson ensured that we saw out the game in some comfort.
It's n’w crucial that the club appoint a new manager as soon as possible to bring back some semblance of structure to the club. We’ve had a run og good appointments. Time to make another.
Pool Panel - Fulham (h) Lost 2-1 & Cardiff (h) Lost 2-1
A week of uncertainty off the pitch resulted in two close defeats on it. Despite the shocking state of the pitch, both games saw the teams trying to play football. Against Fulham we were one kick away from progressing but a common failing reared its head and we eventually lost after extra time. That failing which also cost us against Cardiff, is a lack of communication at the back. Too often, but not asserting ourselves vocally, we half clear and it results in us conceding.
A decent call on Tuesday night, and the hesitant header caused by two players going for the same ball would have been avoided and Fulham wouldn’t have scored. Similarly against Cardiff, the volley from Smith was going straight to Gilks until Cathcart intervened.
Whoever is appointed as new manager needs to get a leader at the back to organise. We’ve lacked that vocal presence ever since Michael Jackson retired and it’s costing us.
The search for a new manager continues to no avail at time of writing. While Steve Thompson has a valid claim to the role, the position the club finds itself means that for me, we need to appoint an experienced manager who can quickly assess what’s needed and ensure that we don’t sleepwalk into a relegation battle.
Whoever that is then needs supporting financially to bolster the two or three changes that are needed. It’s a critical period in the history of the club. The right appointment needs to be made and fully backed, including a new pitch and training facilities.
Pool Panel - Charlton (a) Lost 2-1
As Oscar Wilde’s Lady Bracknell might have said, “To lose on manager is unfortunate, to lose two looks like carelessness”. Once again the club is in turmoil as another manager walks. Karl must ensure that he chooses the next incumbent very carefully and more pertinently, adequately backs him in this January window.
Saturday demonstrated that while we can keep possession and dominate the ball, we have no cutting edge at all at present. After missing a golden opportunity in the first couple of minutes, and despite dominating the possession stats, we never tested their keeper again until injury time when Eccleston scored. Add in the usual gifted goals and we’re currently a soft touch.
Too often we broke but then turned back into the middle, giving them the opportunity to regroup and set up defensively. We’ve lost our way at present, and need to get back to the pacy attack we know we are capable of. Add a finisher to the mix and we should be fine for this season. If we don’t, we are in danger of repeating 1978 when we lost the manager in February and sleep-walked into relegation. That experience has scarred me for life and it would be a scandal if we let it happen again, given the club has taken 35 years to get over it from last time.
I’d like to see a swift managerial appointment being backed with a transfer kitty to strengthen key areas. Given our Premier riches, surely that’s not too much to ask for?
STARMAN: Ludovic Sylvestre
Pool Panel - Blackburn (h) Won 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
Pool Panel - Crystal Palace (a) Draw 2-2
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.
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
Hull (a) Won 3-2 & Charlton (h) Lost 0-2
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
Huddersfield (h) Lost 3-1 & Cardiff (a) Lost 3-0
Middlesborough Home - 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
Monday 17th September
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
Monday, 3 September 2012
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.
2011/2012 Season
Pool Panel - PLAY OFF FINAL
Pool Panel - PLAY OFFS - Birmingham (A) Draw 2-2 - WIN 3-2 on Aggregate
So we are going to Wembley!
Pool Panel - PLAY OFF FINAL
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
Pool Panel - PLAY OFFS - Birmingham (A) Draw 2-2 - WIN 3-2 on Aggregate
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
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
Pool Panel - Watford (a) Won 2-0 & Barnsley (h) Drew 1-1
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)
Pool Panel - Southampton (h) Won 3-0
Before Saturday’s kick off, I’m sure that most had seen the results coming in and thought that it had gone as well as it could have. What was needed was a real performance from Blackpool to capitalise on others’ failings. On hearing the team, I had real misgivings, but it goes to show that the manager really does know best.
Defensively, that was probably as good as we’ve been all season, with the hard work put in on the training ground coming to fruition, with the whole unit working well, attacking the ball and generally doing the right things. In particular Harris came in for his first League start and played like a veteran with some great challenges, one in particular denying Billy Sharp a certain goal.
The defence were helped in no small part by a fine performance from the midfield with Angel and Southern harrying and getting right into the opposition’s faces, giving them no time to settle and impose themselves on the game.
We knew what to expect from Dobbie, of course, but the cool way he dispatched his chances shows what a valuable addition he will be for the run-in. It was like he’d never been away, despite playing with new wing partners amongst others.
All in all, a great result that reignites the promotion hopes, so long as we can now capitalise over the Easter period. The other contenders must have watched that performance and be hoping they don’t get us in the playoffs, as in that mood, we are irresistible.
STARMAN: Stephen Dobbie
Pool Panel - Leicester (h) drew 3-3 & Reading (a) Lost 3-1
This week has highlighted Blackpool’s biggest flaw. While we are always liable to score at any time, we are also prone to mistakes that cost us goals. We are streets ahead in the table that lists the teams who show resolve in coming back from a setback, but frustratingly, it’s frequently of our own making.
On both Wednesday night and at Reading, we conceded totally unnecessary goals as a consequence of poor individual decision making, allowing routine set pieces to be our undoing. Against Leicester we were able to muster the firepower to get ourselves back into the game, but it was a step too far against a solid, well organised Reading side, hence the defeat.
In both games, Gilks didn’t have a lot to do, yet we contrived to concede six goals. That ratio has to improve from now on or ultimately we will fail in our goal of a return to the Premier League.
Ever since Michael Jackson retired we have lacked a vocal organiser at the back, in effect having four individuals in defence rather than a cohesive unit. As a consequence, when one does switch off we are unable to react and concede cheap goals. Someone needs to step up in defence and take responsibility to organise. Manage that, and we are still well placed to achieve our aim.
As a consequence of the angst about the defence, we mustn’t lose sight of a fantastic goal at Reading by Lua Lua. Goal of the season.
STARMAN: Kevin Phillips (Leicester)
STARMAN: Lomano Tresor Lua Lua (Reading)
Sunday 18th March - Brighton (h) Won 3-1
What a difference a win makes. After a fortnight of negativity around the club it took a win in a crucial game to restore some normality and optimism to Pool supporters. Going into the game, there was a sense that the season might be slipping away after the furore over the dividend to Owen, the hotel bill issue last week and two defeats, plus bad publicity following a contract offer to Robbie Fowler deemed to be derisory. To then go a goal behind following slipshod defending of a set piece could have really set us back.
However, the team responded magnificently to really go after a good Brighton side undefeated in 2012. Two goals in the first half was scant reward for some irresistible attacking play that carved them open time and time again. I thought the return of Southern helped the midfield to look a lot more solid and with good movement from Ince in particular we got back to looking the part again.
The sending off of Jara for a two footed lunge on Southern played its part and took off the pressure and we looked comfortable, topped off by another goal from Kevin Phillips. He is so consistent at doing what he does and is providing an invaluable contribution with his goals.
Wednesday now becomes another huge match for us. If we can take another three points it basically removes them from the play off picture. The crowd were hugely supportive on Saturday and need to repeat that.
STAR MAN: Kevin Phillips
Sunday 11th March - Derby (a) Lost 2-1 & Peterborough (a) Lost 3-1
It’s been a bad week, on and off the field. The fallout from the publishing of the accounts has meant a negative spotlight from the national media, which can’t have helped the team’s frame of mind going into two big away games.
Tuesday night, we started brightly enough, scoring early but then failing to capitalise and eventually succumbed to two set pieces that were avoidable and then defended badly. That trait continued on Saturday, when we were never in the game. In all honesty, without Gilks in fine form it could have been five or six. Again, we conceded from a soft free kick. Time and time again, we look like we have no idea with our own set pieces, and cannot deal with the opposition’s. That has to be a concern since the back four at Peterborough was arguably our best line up.
For whatever reason, we have lost our spark. Despite all that, we are still in the promotion mix. I’ll take the view that it’s better to have a bad patch now than at the end of the season. We need to rediscover the shape and style that saw us do so well and so recently, hold our nerve and push on to the end of the season.
Fans have a huge part to play. There is a real sense of discontent over the dividend paid to Owen. Whatever happens, we cannot allow that to affect the team and manager, but give them maximum backing between now and the end of the season.
STARMAN (Derby): Matt Gilks
STARMAN (Peterborough): Matt Gilks
Sunday 4th March - Hull City (h) Draw 1-1
Friday felt like a defeat and is definitely two points dropped as we dominated for much of the game before conceding so late on. Of course, we have been doing that to teams all season long, so there had to be a time when we were on the other end.
For once, we came flying out of the traps and could easily have been a few goals to the good by half time. That continued in the second half with the keeper making great saves, in particular one from Kevin Phillips. When all you have to show for such a dominant display is a fantastic finish from Ince, then there is always a danger that you will concede.
For once, I didn’t think the substitutions helped us, as we no longer won the longer balls once Bednar came off. In addition, Fleck seemed to struggle to get into the speed of the game. We seemed to sit deeper and deeper for the last fifteen minutes and that simply invited Hull to press on and eventually nick an underserved point.
However, the performance for much of the game has to give cause for optimism; play like that every week and it will result in far more wins than anything else.
In other news, I’m sure most fans wouldn’t begrudge the Oystons getting some return on their investment over the last decades, but to remove £11 million when we still have antiquated training facilities is bad PR at the very least.
STAR MAN: Keith Southern
Sunday 26th February - West Ham (h) Lost 4-1 & Bristol City (a) Won 3-1
What a week this has been. On Tuesday night we capitulated against a West Ham team that seemed there for the taking following the keeper going off, but somehow we failed to test Henri Lansbury in goal for 40 minutes, despite him being a small midfielder. Angela Lansbury could have dealt with what we offered.
Despite all that, as good a following as I’ve ever seen at Ashton Gate made the trip and backed the team fully for 90 minutes. There was more than a hint of déjà vu after they took the lead despite us having more of the possession, but eventually we imposed ourselves on the game and came away convincing winners with inspired substitutions playing a full part as we started to get at them and cause panic in their defence. In particular, Brett Ormerod rolled back the years in creating the decisive second goal for Thomas Ince.
I don’t think it’s coincidence that we looked so much better on a decent pitch, able to play the passing football to rip Bristol apart, unlike the bobbly home pitch that is doing us no favours. Hopefully a decent spell of weather will improve it as we have some massive home games coming up that could make or break our season.
Tickets are now available for all the remaining home games. I’d urge anyone who hasn’t been this season to get back down to Bloomfield Rd and make the atmosphere that could take us back up.
STARMAN (West Ham) – Kevin Phillips
STARMAN (Bristol City) – Thomas Ince
Sunday 19th February - Doncaster (a) and Everton (a)
A mixed week of results and performances. On Tuesday night at Doncaster we were in total control and consolidated our place in the play-off positions by scoring twice early on, with GTF in great form. Despite conceding and letting them off the hook slightly, the third goal killed the game and sent the travelling support home happy.
Similarly, the two early goals against killed the game as a contest, with the emphasis from that point on being damage limitation. On another day, Everton could have had a bagful, to be fair, but all credit to the team who stuck in there and should have had a more flattering scoreline if we’d take the penalty opportunity.
I thought the referee was very inconsistent in his approach, giving us very little against a robust Everton side who outmuscled as much as outplayed us. The game gave us a marker of what still needs to be done in terms of aspirations at a higher level, but that’s irrelevant unless we can consolidate on the Doncaster result in the fixture against West Ham. I think Ollie’s team selection recognised that fact with the likes of Crainey, Ferguson and Matt Phillips not featuring on Saturday.
The injury to GTF didn’t look good at the time; a real shame as he has only recently fought his way back into form after a series of injuries. Let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery as he is a vital member of the squad.
STARMEN
Doncaster: Gary Taylor-Fletcher
Everton: Matt Gilks
Sunday 12th February - Wednesday (a) and Portsmouth (h)
On Tuesday night we were warmed up on a bitterly cold night by a tremendous footballing display as were tore Sheffield Wednesday to pieces to earn a game at Goodison. Right from the off we were a class apart, and won in style, scoring great goals on the way.
Unfortunately we didn’t manage to take that into the home game with Portsmouth, with most of the blame for that lying with the state of the pitch, which cut up badly right from the off. The conditions meant that we were unable to play the smooth passing game that had proved so successful on Tuesday as the wide players were unable to get into their stride on the bobbly surface. In addition, Portsmouth came to disrupt the game from the off, managed to nick a goal against the run of play and were only pegged back through a wonderful free kick from Crainey.
It was exactly the type of game that we would have lost in previous seasons, but we stuck to the task and rescued a point, keeping us right in there in the promotion shake-up.
There is now an important game with Doncaster away on Tuesday before the cup-tie with Everton. It will be interesting to see just how seriously the latter is being taken as we follow that up with a match with West Ham, a game that could prove crucial if we are to have any aspirations of automatic promotion.
Interesting times to be a Pool fan.
STARMAN (Sheffield Wednesday) – Ludo Sylvestre
STARMAN (Portsmouth) – Barry Ferguson
Sunday 5th February - Coventry (h) Won 2-1 & Cardiff (a) Won 3-1
What a day! Cardiff are the best side I have seen at Bloomfield Rd this season, so this game was a real test of our credentials to be taken seriously as a promotion challenger. A win for them would have put us eight points behind them, but Saturday’s fantastic result means we are up to fourth and right in the mix. Yet again, we overcame the handicap of conceding first to win with late goals. I see this as no matter of luck but gradual assertion of our dominance as we wear teams out through possession football then continue strongly towards the end of games.This was also seen on Tuesday night, when two very late goals gave us a vital three points, but a win in such style at Cardiff is a result to make the rest of the League sit up and take notice.
There were a number of outstanding contributions, with Wilson having his best game to date, Ferguson pulling the strings in midfield, and Matty Phillips showing just what Cardiff were unable to secure in the transfer window. The highlight of the day though was another exquisite finish from Kevin Phillips. The way he took the ball down on his chest then hit a dipping volley up and over a number of players on the line was a real treat to watch. It must be a wonderful problem for the manager on how to give sufficient game time to the players he has at his disposal. Roll on Tuesday and the FA Cup.
STAR MEN: v Coventry – STEPHEN CRAINEY; v Cardiff: MATT PHILLIPS
Sunday 29th January - Sheffield Wednesday (h) FA CUP drawn 1-1
So we live to fight again in the FA Cup with an away trip to Goodison the reward for the winners of the replay. Saturday was a missed opportunity in that we should have had the game dead and buried before half time, as we dominated possession, and chances, with Matt Phillips tormenting the visitors down the flanks, and the keeper making one fantastic save from Clarke in particular, to keep them in it.
Much like the Palace game, when we were on top we ultimately failed to make the most of it and got careless, allowing a breakaway goal after giving away possession in midfield and then having to work our way past a ten man defence as they set out their stall to try and hold on to their lead. Ultimately, our patience paid dividends, as constant probing finally led to the concession of a penalty, coolly dispatched by the nerveless Kevin Phillips.
The replay means we now have three consecutive midweek games, which should enable the large squad to all get some game time, which should stand us in good stead come the end of the season. It was great to see Keith Southern back after surgery, and he fully deserved the ovation he got when the teams were read out prior to kick off.
I believe we have enough about us to compete on two fronts, and the additions upfront of Dicko and Bednar add to that strength in depth. Bring on Coventry when it would be nice to get in front early for once and secure three points.
STARMAN: Kevin Phillips
Sunday 22nd January - Crystal Palace (h) won 2-1
SATURDAY was one of those games that in previous seasons would have seen us lose.
The character in the team to keep going until the final whistle meant that, ultimately, we all came away happy with another three points. As in the previous week, the substitutions made all the difference.
For much of the game, Palace were content to sit on the edge of their own area and frustrate our attacking intentions, while trying to catch us on the break. Their goal had an element of controversy in it, as Ferguson didn’t move his arm towards the ball, it striking him. The controversy comes from the fact that the referee then failed to apply any consistency, turning down similar appeals from us, as Palace players were struck on the arm by the ball.
Despite the perceived injustice, the team came probing and, eventually, a flash of skill from Gary Taylor-Fletcher skinning two players, and Eliot Grandin taking the ball in his stride and smashing it in, meant that we were back in the game. Basham should have then scored, but the winner came from a header from Kevin Phillips hitting the bar, with Basham following up to gleefully bury the winner to ecstatic scenes around the full ground. It would be nice to see the ground completed asap, so that more fans can enjoy the spectacle at Bloomfield Road in a completed stadium. Next week is an example of missed revenue caused by the delay.
Man of match: Elliot Grandin
Sunday 15th January 2012 - Ipswich (away) drew 2-2
Another point gained at Portman Rd, but the feeling remains that we could have had all three even after being outplayed for an hour. Ipswich set out to press right across the pitch and succeeded in stopping us playing our normal passing game, with many passes going astray, and Pool losing out to every second ball. Despite that, we really should have gone in level at half time when LuaLua missed a glorious chance after the only good passing move we made.
We fell further behind to a second soft goal, but the resilience that is always in the side was sparked by a triple substitution We then started playing over the high line of their back four with immediate dividends, as first Matt Phillips then Kevin Phillips got away on a number of occasions. A cross to the back post was firmly headed by K. Phillips and the rebound off the keeper was put away on the line by Grandin. That gave the side real belief, and after a couple of half chances missed by M. Phillips, Kevin duly supplied a firm finish after being set clear by a delightful ball from Grandin.
Further chances then came our way but were spurned, while, in the last minute, Ipswich could have nicked it, but their player trod on the ball with the goal at his mercy.
We now have three home games including the Cup tie. If we are to be a force in the Division we really need to be making the most of these fixtures.
STARMAN: Kevin Phillips
Sunday 8th January 2012 - Fleetwood (a) FA Cup won 5-1
The Fleetwood game was the classic banana skin for Blackpool, with everything to lose and nothing to gain whatever the result. After so many bad results in the Cup over the years, I was very apprehensive as we went to Highbury.
The team news was heartening, as I thought that if we played close to a full strength side, then we’d be too strong for Fleetwood, and so it proved, with the only changes being a reshuffled defence.
In a fairly even first half, both teams had their chances, but Blackpool came out on top with a lovely flowing move culminating in a goal for LuaLua. Howard kept Blackpool ahead with a fantastic save from the impressive Vardy and then getting back up well to tip the follow up from Till over the bar.
The game was effectively settled early in the second half, as first Phillips, with a fantastic curling effort into the top corner, then Ince with a sweet half volley, killed the game.Fleetwood got the consolation they deserved through Vardy and mounted some pressure, but a breakaway move the length of the pitch led to a shot from Ince saved by the keeper, with Phillips on hand to sweep home the rebound. The hat-trick goal as Phillips broke from the half way line and finished with aplomb under the keeper added the icing to the cake.
A banana skin avoided and a real chance to get into Round 5 if we can dispose of Sheffield Wednesday. Take it seriously and why not?
STAR MAN: Matt Phillips
Monday 2nd January 2012 - Birmingham (a) and Middlesbrough (h)
A busy weekend with the yin and yang of football in evidence, losing 3-0 at Birmingham, followed by a resounding win at home to Middlesbrough.
I thought that we played well in spells at St Andrews, but often in places where we were not hurting the opposition. Time and time again we built up nicely only to fail to get a shot off by overplaying as we got to the box. They were content to let us play in front of us then catch us on the break with pace and power. King got a yellow for an elbow in the first half for them, then the referee astounded most of the crowd by brandishing a red for Ferguson as he tried to hold off two men pressing him from behind. That killed the game completely and we were possibly lucky to concede only one more late on.
By contrast, Monday’s game saw an entertaining match with both sides giving it a go, but the return of LuaLua giving us the edge as a focal point of attack. We were unfortunate to go in level at the interval but came out in similar mood and Phillips followed us his Boxing Day heroics with another great strike and a couple of assists as we deservedly ran away with the game.
We now head into the Fylde Coast derby in good heart. It’s a game with everything to lose and nothing to gain, but potentially we can get another morale-boosting win.
STARMEN: Mark Howard at Birmingham; Matt Phillips against Middlesbrough.
Sunday 18 December - Watford at home After all the rising sense of excitement over the FA Cup draw, it was back to the League on Saturday, in a game overshadowed in its build up by all the talk of Fleetwood. Another frustrating draw, this time through a combination of bad luck and some poor finishing. On another day we could have won by a hatful; I suppose there is some consolation in that we finished the day slightly closer to the playoffs than we started.
The second consoling thought is that we are playing well. I think we are not very far off being a very good team, with maybe the addition of a centre half as cover, and a big centre forward as a Plan B, could see us being a real force in the second half of the season.
We go into Christmas just outside the playoffs, and somewhat under the media’s radar, not being talked about as one of the teams who will go up, yet week in and week out, managers see us as being a difficult opponent. The lack of interest from the national media might just play in our favour as it has in the past. Two away games coming up pose a real challenge to us, but if we can get a few points from the games then we can start the New Year with some hope of going back to the Premier League.
I hope all Seasiders have a really good Christmas.
UP THE POOL
Star man: Craig Cathcart
Sunday 11 December - Southampton Away
On the way down to Southampton, we were confident that we’d get something from the match. Records like their’s with 21 straight wins are there to be shot at, and I always think that we are the type of team to cause an upset when labelled underdogs.
So it proved, with Blackpool more than matching Southampton, aided and abetting by a shocking goalkeeping performance from Bielkowski. It always seems to me that we have to work hard for all our goals, so to actually score through a comedy moment was a very rare sight, but nonetheless deserved for us taking the game to them and giving it a real go.
There is an argument to be made that we were only behind in the first place through our own mistake, Eardley caught on the ball ultimately leading to Cathcart deflecting it into his own net past Gilks who would probably have saved the initial effort from Lambert. Gilks did make a couple of great saves, but equally, McManaman and in particular, Matt Philips were causing their defence major problems every time we went forward, with Philips very unlucky not to score after a great run in the first half.
All in all, a good point, but frustrating not to come away with all three as a consequence of a very late equaliser. Another positive is that we’ve now played all bar Cardiff from the top ten away from home. In the second half of the season, that could work in our favour.
STAR MAN: Matt Phillips
Wednesday 23 November - Middlesbrough Away
The fortnight’s break never seems to do us any good. Invariably we play like we’ve never seen each other, and that pattern duly followed at Middlesbrough, where we constantly gifted possession and lacked any of the understanding we’d seen against Leeds and Millwall.
Having said that, the character that is always there also came to the fore, and in a game that could have seen us three or four down, by the end we could also have nicked all three points.
It’s that character, as much as football ability, that is the defining aspect of any club’s season, as it is the extra ingredient that turns a good side into a successful one.
I’ve always thought we have it, and see no reason why it won’t stand us in good stead again.
While quite a few were having an off day, Matthew Gilks was having a great day, and undoubtedly kept us in the game with a series of great saves, in particular a double save in the second half when he got up to make a second save with the goal gaping.
Man of match: Matt Gilks
Tuesday 8th November- Leeds away and Millwall home
After the Burnley game, there was a real sense of gloom but two wins later, one of which will go down in Blackpool’s history books, the prospects are suddenly so much brighter.
The two games have been very different, but equally as satisfying. The team changes gave us a freshness and a style that was ripping Leeds apart, time and time again anyway. To then follow that up with a further clean sheet, and a wonder strike from Phillips, added to the new sense of belief coursing through the team and fans.
As I live in Leeds, the victory on Wednesday was all the sweeter. Over the last decade we have gone up from the bottom Division, while they have slumped from Champions League status down to League One, and then back to the Championship. Despite that, there is still a cachet attached to them. For us to go there and utterly destroy them in a footballing masterclass was totally unexpected.Sylvestre, in particular, was in majestic form, solving the midfield conundrum. A corner has been turned. Let’s kick on from here.
Men of match: Sylvestre (Leeds), Baptiste (Millwall).
Wednesday 12 October
The international break comes after 10 games into the season, a time when most teams have settled into some sort of pattern of play, and the table is beginning to shake itself out. With Blackpool just outside the play-off spots, we can take comfort from the fact that, with one or two exceptions, they’ve been the better side in the games played. We have a firm base from which to press on.
The creative midfielder that has been missing from our game seems to have been sorted, at least temporarily, with the signing of Shelvey. Hopefully he can make a real impact through to the New Year, and maybe beyond. We still haven’t settled on a forward to add competition up front. Kevin Phillips has proved he is still a force, while Gary Taylor-Fletcher adds guile and touch to the mix. The third place up front has had a number of contenders, none of whom has really claimed the position as their own. I’d like to see Tom Ince given a run there, as he adds pace and directness to that front line. Bogdanovic will also think that he deserves a chance.
The conundrum for the manager is to use the players already in the squad and determine who gets the place, or goes back into the loans market to fill that gap. The season resumes with a trip to Upton Park, probably the toughest of our fixtures this season. Get a result there, and I believe we can be right up the table come the end of the season.
Tuesday 4th October - Bristol City Home
I said last week that I didn’t think we were quite getting the rub of the green, but that, longer term, such performances would mean that we would get plenty of wins. On Tuesday night, that was certainly the case, as we got a point at Coventry in a game we really should have had won by half time. At half-time on Saturday, I was beginning to wonder if the same would apply, as we took a slender 1-0 lead into the break.
I needn’t have worried as, second half, we upped the tempo, scored a wonder goal from a free-kick by Shelvey, and then pressed on and took full advantage of their capitulation late on.
Shelvey added the missing spark to the midfield, enabling us to use our pace to best effect when the game was stretched. To date, we’ve been slower in the build-up, allowing defences to set themselves, but the linking play between Shelvey and Ince, in particular, ripped their defence to shreds.
We therefore go into another international break well placed, off the national media radar, but up close to our rivals. The perceived wisdom is that no side should be judged until they have played 10 games. We have now reached that milestone, and although still a work in progress, we’re heading in the right direction.
Man of match: Shelvey (Bristol C)
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
