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.