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
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