|
Peter Gillatt former editor of Seasiders.net and my first game was our first home match in the old First Division on a warm sunny Monday evening August 17th 1970 against Liverpool the game ended 0-0 with a 27,000 attendance so thats around 36 years now and 35 outside the top flight perhaps I shouldn't have gone!.
What made you support your club?
Being a "sandgrownun" when Blackpool were promoted back to the first Division in 1969/70 it seemed all my family used to go regularly and I was taken along I remember vividly the short walk back to my Grans house after games where everyone would meet up afterwards discuss the game for hours after and I was hooked.
So hows your squad shaping up after the summer break, apart from Shaun Barker has many coming and going?
Rhys Evans goalkeeper has joined from Swindon and featured in the opening two defeats, along with newcommers Paul Tierney, Adrian Forbes, Wes Hoolihan and more recently Danny Graham, Ian Evatt and Simon Gillett although its too early to see whether we have uncovered any gems but none can replace the massive loss of club captain and talisman Peter Clarke on the eve of the Season which has left fans reeling.
Whats the thoughts on Simon Grayson?
Simon virtually rescued Pool from relegation with a number of astute loan signings after inheriting a shambles from Colin Hendry although it still went to the final day. This season the squad is his and the jury must remain out after a poor start. Simon Grayson has found it difficult to attract players to the club despite the new investment and Blackpool are desperate for a creative midfielder and a striker.
Your a fans favorite away day, Whats your favorite away day and why?
Huddersfield Town has always been a good away day and last year a few of us went by train and enjoyed a full day out in the Town although the recent results have not been good.
Most hated rivals??
Preston North End who live at the wrong end of the M55 will always be pool's most hated rivals, despite the fact that neither have met for a number of years.
If Blackpool was a Song, what would it be, and why?
EMF - Unbeleivable - I just think it sums up what it is to be a Seasider and that despite all the disappointments the club can still produce the unexpected.
Your views on last season?
We played some of the worst football in living memory in my opinion even chairman Karl Oyston admitted he hated coming to Bloomfield Road at times fortunately he relieved Hendry of his duties and allowed Grayson to bring in much needed players with at least some idea of how to pass the ball.
Realistic hopes for this season?
With the Latvian investment now behind the club it would have been foolish not to have some realistic expectations after years of treading water in this division. The bookies initially didn't agree and gave odds of 40-1 which sparked a betting onslaught and in hours the odds had been slashed to 6-1 putting Pool as favourites at least for a play-off place.
2 Games in, we have'nt a point between us. Whats happened with your lot?
Think the bookies were right in the first place with their original 40-1 odds! The loss of Peter Clarke 3 days before the trip to Brentford has shocked everyone to the core and the club despite replacements are still reeling. Grayson has yet to strengthen an already weak strikeforce something which he openly admits he can do little about even with six figure sums being offered. Our midfield also need urgent strengthening and Clarke's loss has effected the defence.
Your new Latvian backers, have they put much in?
Around 4.5 million over three years and with the sale of Clarke for 250k the club are not short of a bob or two but fans have yet to see any so called "wow" signings.
Any timescale on getting the rest of your ground built?
That old chestnut! Firstly I do apologise on behalf of every Pool fan for the state of our away end its a disgrace. The South Stand will be added at some point in the near future which will accomodate away supporters but there are no plans to complete the east stand and frankly Seasiders are sick to death of playing in a half empty stadium..
Who's your strongest / Weakest link?
Our wingers look useful but they have had no-one to aim at in the box the strikers are not putting away the chances created and this is proving very very costly
Predicted Line-up
Same as Tuesday night against Forest, I think Grayson will give this formation one last chance but expect changes early if things start going awry.
Predicted Score?
Pool but only by whisper 1-0
EITHER OR??
Pleasure Beach or a Donkey Ride?
Pleasure Beach I'm too old to sit on a Donkey.
Chubby Brown or Peter Kay?
Chubby can't afford to watch Peter Kay.
Old Bloomfield Rd or New Bloomfield Rd?
Don't get me wrong the Old Spion Kop with the roof was awesome but primitive so despite it being half finished I'll go with the new Bloomfield Road you can eat drink and there's a roof on the bogs.
Super Casino or No Super Casino?
No Super Casino - John Prescott saw to that
Meat & Tatty or Steak n Kidney?
Meat & Tatty and preferably Hollands with gravy - northerners love gravy...!