Blackpool: Simon sure to struggle
GRAY DAY
by AIDAN MAGEE
SIMON GRAYSON has proved for the first time since the Stanley Matthews era that there is more to Blackpool than candy floss and kiss-me-quick hats.
The Seasiders boss can be proud of his achievement of steering his club to safety as they were tipped to be relegated this time last year.
But now the hard work of stabilising the club at this level begins. And that really will be hard work.
Perhaps through no fault of his own, Grayson (below) has seen the side which won promotion last year pulled apart because individuals either moved to bigger clubs or weren’t up to scratch.
Wes Hoolahan was the most talented of the group last term and it was no surprise to see him snapped up by Norwich boss Glenn Roeder.
Kaspars Gorkss was the club’s player of the year last season and he moved to big-spending QPR.
In his place came Zesh Rehman from Loftus Road on a six-month loan but he was one of the worst defenders in the Championship last season.
The signings of steady midfielder Jermaine Wright and striker Steve Kabba look more sensible as Grayson looks to add some experience to his side. Even so, the departure of Gorkss and Hoolahan will make Blackpool a much poorer team.
Crowded
The Seasiders still have time to make further signings but their lack of financial clout means they will lose out on the players who really can push them up the table.
If they couldn’t outbid MLS side Toronto FC for the services of veteran Paul Dickov then there is surely not much hope for them.
They are unfortunately one of the sides who will be crowded out as a combination of parachute payments and rich benefactors occupy the top half of the table.
It has been said before that a team can only punch above its weight for so long and that’s why Blackpool will probably be relegated this season.
Home form will be crucial if they are to be competitive again but it is still hard to see where they will find the 12 wins which will guarantee survival.
In the unlikely event that Grayson masterminds an improvement on last year then the former Aston Villa defender will boost his own stock no end. And for that, he will deserve a statue as high as the tower.
KEY MAN: Jermaine Wright
SCORE PREDICTION: 24th
I think it is fantastic that Blackpool are being tipped for relegation.
The players at the club love the underdog tag and with the poor away facilities added to the fantastic Home support, visiting teams can expect a really hard time at Bloomfield road.
Hoolahan is a talented player, he did however stop playing after the PKE game last season when it became clear he had been approached. As for Gorkss, again lots of potential but not the star man. Steven Crainey was player of the season and he is the instrumental player in the back line.
Gorkss is easily replaced.
Posted by: Marko | August 03, 2008 at 11:22 AM | Report this comment