da pixbet： FROM the opening day of the season to the final swansong at Old Trafford it was a season of trials and tribulations for the Blackpool faithful.
da brwin： It was quite some stay, a rollercoaster ride to say the least. Full of ups and downs, a season filled with excitement and exhilaration.
It has been a stay cut shorter than many would have liked, but nonetheless it was one that has left us with some fantastic memories and on behalf of the footballing family I’d personally like to take this opportunity to thank Blackpool for this Premier League season.
For the Seasiders more famous for their pier, their tower and the pleasure beach than their football side a season in the Premier League was always going to be a tall order.
It was a rapid rise to the top flight – just nine years previously the 1953 FA Cup winners were languishing in the fourth tier of English football.
A 4-0 victory away from home on day one was a statement of intent from a team making their first appearance in England’s top flight since 1971 and it was from that moment that a nation fell in love.
It didn’t last long. Arsenal soon lowered the tone and brought Blackpool back down to earth with a six goal drumming of Holloway’s men and from that moment it was always going to be a battle for survival rather than the ‘dream’ first season many had hoped for.
53 goals and a series of exciting games in their debut season left no doubt in the fans’ minds that they had earned their place alongside the likes of United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Over the course of the season Blackpool completed the double over Liverpool and reigned victorious over Champions League quarter finalists Tottenham Hotspur. But despite being able to beat the Premiership big guns what they oozed in abundance against the teams towards the top of the table they lacked severely against those towards the bottom.
It was the story of their season, quality football, taking the game to the opposition, scoring good goals, but most costly conceding far too man, most notably when losing at Bloomfield Road to Manchester United despite leading 2-0.
It proved all too costly and ultimately their downfall, even on deadline day. Again, they took the lead against United but lacked the conviction and in the end the ability to see out the game. A harsh own goal shattered the dream and United punished Blackpool as they tried in vein to get back into the game.
In was something of a harsh goodbye from the Premier League. A survival Sunday clash with the Premiership champions. Did anyone really believe they had a chance? Well in fact yes, many of whom United fans themselves – caused in no uncertain terms by ‘the Holloway factor’.
Holloway has been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League – the Bristolian ‘Special One’. At times a comedian, but always the ultimate professional. A man of words and wisdom with charisma in abundance. An all round performer.
Not only did Holloway and his team entertain us on the pitch, but he also cheered us up off it, quickly providing us with some brilliant quotes and unforgettable outbursts.
They’ll no doubt lose their best players. Most obviously Charlie Adam, heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, others are also likely to part company. But perhaps, just maybe they can hold on to one or two, even all, and if Holloway is allowed to invest and build a side capable of propelling Blackpool back into the Premier League, it will allow the man that deserves it so much a chance, one more crack at the big time.
Last year 100,000 fans lined the streets of Blackpool after the Tangerines secured promotion to the Premier League.
It goes without saying that they’ve gained a few more avid followers that will be wishing them and Ian Holloway all the best and good luck in their quest to return to the top flight of English football.
Blackpool have brought glamour, excitement and colour- tangerine to be precise. The tangerine dream has been the story of the 2011/2012 season. Unfortunately, everyone has now woken up. “She’s put the mic down, the fat lady’s finished singing and I don’t like her tune.” Holloway’s final words in the Premier League – for now at least.
It’s sad to parting company, but to leave with one of Holloway’s quotes: “Are castle was made of sand but there’s concrete underneath.”
For now, the tide has come in. Let’s start to rebuild that castle.