New Badges - Tower Power

We've taken delivery of the new "Tower Power" badge design. We're charging £3 for one, but we'll do the pair of the two designs for £5.  

Please see either Phil or Wilf if you are interested in purchasing one.  They are already prooving quite popular - so best be quick!!!

Pool Panel - Crystal Palace (a) Draw 2-2

I thought we came through a real test at Selhurst Park.  With the recent history we have with their manager, it could have been all about him, but instead the team ensured it was all about the game itself. 

In the first half especially it was us who were setting the pace, playing fluent, attractive football that probably deserved more than a one goal lead.  Wes Thomas was leading the line well, holding the ball up and bringing others into the game.  In a way, it was a shame the halftime whistle came because in the second half, we were never quite as fluent and the home side started to dominate.

I don’t like to complain about officials, but I thought both of their goals had a touch of offside about them, the second in particular.  Supposedly these things even themselves out, but I can’t remember the last time we got the benefit of the doubt.

To fall behind and then come back and get an equaliser again showed the self belief and resilience with this group of players.  When the goal did come, Dicko celebrated in great style, joining us fans in the stands.  A richly deserved point and one that means we can finally bury the ghost of Mr Holloway and properly start the new Appleton era. 

Yes, we are drawing a lot of games, but the confidence is coming back to the squad and we are still handily placed in a very tight Division.  I’m confident we have the players to make another push.

STARMAN: Wes Thomas  

Pool Panel - Birmingham (h) Draw 1-1 & Peterborough (a) Win 4-1

A week of steady improvement.  On Tuesday night, the run of draws continued as, despite scoring first, we again conceded a loose goal and couldn’t force our way to find another.  The pitch was of concern, cutting up badly and possibly affecting the confidence of the players in trying to play a quick passing game.

At London Road, there was no such excuse, but in the first half we again lacked a little zip while being comfortably in the game.  In the second half there was a real transformation, helped by getting a two goal cushion in short time.  We then played like the Blackpool of old, passing around the ball at pace and being available to receive and give a pass.  Once again we conceded another needless goal, but were quickly onto the front foot again with a third goal.  Ince’s fourth was a real beauty and acted as the icing on the cake.  The lack of a win under Appleton was beginning to be a burden to the players but hopefully we can now move on and show our true strengths.

Next week of course, has our first match against Ian Holloway.  Regardless of the result, I think it gives both the fans and the club the opportunity to move on into a new era.  There has been a definite hangover since he left which has left an air of uncertainty around the club.  This game will be cathartic whether we win, lose or draw.

Onwards and upwards.

STARMAN: (Birmingham) Tiago Gomes

STARMAN: (Peterborough) Tom Ince

Pool Panel - Watford (h) 2-2

Another point rescued from the jaws of defeat, but in all truth, we should never have been in that situation.  Once again, costly defensive errors gave us a mountain to climb.  Appleton has to continue working with the defence to act as a unit; individually they are decent players but time and time again silly mistakes cost us.

Watford had four shots at goal on Saturday and scored with two of them.  It’s the same old story for Blackpool and until we resolve the defensive conundrum we will continue to have to do more than we need to.

After a first half in which we gave away a two goal lead, at least we had the resolve and the ability to rescue a point.  The introduction of Osbourne into midfield gave us a real platform to build from and we were always threatening in the second half.  If only we could do that for 90 minutes; we are due to give someone a real hammering.  The resilience in the side meant we plugged away and got our reward deep into stoppage time for the second week running.

While still finding his feet, Appleton has identified where our strengths and weaknesses lie.  Hopefully he can get the best out of the squad which remains one which can challenge in the higher echelons of the Division.  I hope he can find the right blend starting on Tuesday against Birmingham.

STARMAN: Nathan Delfuenso

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.

Most of the action was in the Bristol half of the pitch, but we never quite made clear enough chances, with Grandin in particular, anonymous, after a few decent performances from him.  Their keeper was man of the match with a string of great saves, one in particular from Tom Ince, when the ball came back off the post from a shot by Delfuenso.

The positive to be taken was that we moved up the table and closer to the play off positions and there are signs that we’re not far off being back to our best.  In my opinion, it comes down to confidence, and only a decent win will give the side that self-belief.  If we can score first in a game then I’m sure we’ll go on to win comfortably.

This was effectively Appleton’s first game in charge with his ideas in development.  Early indications are that we will be harder to beat away from home, with a tighter defensive shape, but we still have the players to counterattack to good effect.  Ince in particular scared them all afternoon.

Two home games now give us a real chance to get wins and move up.

STARMAN: Thomas Ince

Next Meeting - Barnsley - 25th November

The next Yorkshire Seasiders meeting will be held in in Barnsley at the Old Number 7 pub. 

The Old No.7 is an excellent place with a superb range of beers available – and more importantly it is run by a Blackpool fan!

The Old No.7 is conveniently located for the Train Station and should hopefully make it easier for those located in the South of Yorkshire to attend.

http://www.oldno7barnsley.co.uk/

This will be our annual general meeting, where we vote on appointments to the board for the year going forward.  Phil and I will circulate a report on our activities for the year ahead of the meeting and a proposed agenda in advance. 

It would be great if as many people as possible could attend.

Pool Panel - Sheff Wed (away) won 2-0 & Bolton (home) draw 2-2

The start of a new era with four points from two games.  On Tuesday night, we were over the shock of the departure and played like we all know we are capable of, comfortably beating Wednesday on their own pitch under the tutelage of Steve Thompson.  We put on a real midfield passing show, with Grandin and Sylvestre pulling the strings and Ince and Phillips terrorising their fullbacks.

The following day saw the unveiling of Michael Appleton as the new manager.  I wish him all the best for the future.  He comes into a set up with a good squad of players who, with a little direction, can be a force in this Division.  I don’t envisage wholesale changes, just some input into defensive organisation which will make all the difference.

In his first game in charge, Appleton would have seen that we are dangerous going forward, scoring two goals, including a beauty from Ince, and possibly deserving more.  Yet again, two calamitous errors cost us at the other end as first Baptiste and then Crainey made mistakes allowing the opposition to score, where they didn’t really create a lot all afternoon.

At least we showed that we are resilient, coming back twice to draw level.  The squad has the ability and I see no reason why we can’t be involved at the end of the season.  With a week to get to know his players, next Saturday will be the first when he can put his own stamp on things.  Interesting times.

STARMAN:  Ludo Sylvestre (Sheffield)

STARMAN: Tom Ince (Bolton)