Championship 2012/13 Preview: Blackpool

AFKABartram

Club: Blackpool

Last season’s position: 5th (Lost play-off final)

Recent history:

One glorious season in the Prem has put Blackpool back on the map. But missing out at Wembley last time out could be as good as it gets for a long while as The tangerines struggle to keep up with the bigger, richer neighbours

Manager profile:

Ian Holloway. Mad as a box of frogs, a great character you always feel is completely out of his depth, yet his record is certainly more impressive than most. A six-month disappointment at Leicester resulting in relegation the only real blemish on his record. Holloway is a manager fans warm to, and his players always seem to want to play for.

Summer transfer activity:
Jake Caprice ..... Crystal Palace ..... Free
Tiago Gomes ..... Hercules ...... Free
Scott Robertson ..... Dundee U ..... Free
Isiah Osbourne
Adda Djeziri
James Caton
Alberto Noguera


Out
Lomana LuaLua ..... Karabukspor ..... Free
Brett Omerod ..... Wrexham ..... Free
Daniel Bogdanovic ..... ..... Released
Keith Southern .... Huddersfield ..... Undis


Expected line-up:

Stanley Matthews isn't expected to feature. Without his wing wizardy and big Stan Morteson upfront it's hard to say who will play


Expected Tactics/Formation

Holloway's team play on the front foot and with plenty of pace and spirit, with Tom Ince and Matty Phillips providing much of the attacking skill and quality on offer. It doesn't always work but its fun to watch. Holloway and Blackpool were founder members of the 'long diagonal club', but have since settled into a more attractive style of play. Expect them to be pleasing on the eye this season.


What are the fans saying?

Another play-off finish is seen as realistic although many bemoan the Chairman's unwillingness to splash cash that the Club doesn't have. With Kevin Phillips legs quickly approaching the knackers yard, one quality striker added to the squad would make a whole lot of difference.


Verdict:

More thrills and goals but not enough to make the top six this time. Holding onto Phillips, or getting a good price and reinvesting wisely, will be seen as key. 10th

Odds 18/1 to win division 14/1 to go down

Compiled by: Henry Irving and AFKA Bartram

Lincsaddick

Hard to predict. They might have run out of puff after a few hectic years and may well be a bit underpowered this year. Ince and Phillips Jnr are brilliant.Will Dobie sign on ? .. Mmmmmm .. play offs again after another late season burst up the rails.

ISawLeaburnScore

I would wager that Matt Phillips won't be a Tangerine by 31 January and because of that (and the strength of the competition) I can see them sneaking into that top half at best.

Bedsaddick

Mid Table

Addickted4life

A play off push, whether they make it or not is an entirely different question.