Blackpool manager, Ian Holloway wants the squad to be much fitter in time for the new season
Blackpool manager, Ian Holloway, has wasted no time in terms of handing out the warning signs ahead of next season. Blackpool surprised everyone when they won Premier League promotion during the Championship play-off final at the end of last season. Holloway knows they have a huge task on their hands to stay in the Premier League and he's already issued a number of rallying cries. The club have emerged as the strongest favourites in Premier League history to go straight back down into the Championship and the boss has said that the whole squad needs to be in absolute perfect condition if the side are going to compete when the season starts in August. There are a number of areas that Blackpool need to work on and improve if they are going to stay up but the point is all about how the club got into the position they're in at the moment.
Worries
The worries have been laid down by Holloway and can be linked to a number of areas within the club. Firstly, the squad has to be much fitter in time for the new season. Clubs in the Premier League have the fittest players and if Blackpool do not get up to that level then it means they will get punished miserably.
So far Holloway has kept faith with the squad of players that he has and has been very quiet in the transfer market. This is very worrying because if Blackpool do not make improvements in key areas then you can laugh all the way to the bank right now. The Premier League season is much shorter but the point is that it is also much more intense. This means that there will be heavier challenges and tackles flying around during games. If Blackpool do not create a bigger squad then the smallest sign of an injury could disrupt their season.
The Whole Point
How did Blackpool get in the Premier League in the first place? Holloway arrived as the manager at a time when the club were really suffering and looked as though they may go down in League One. The fact that he managed to get them playing well and on a run where they sneaked into the Premier League via the play-offs will create a real buzz around the club. The team may lose every week but the point is, there is an honest group of players at Blackpool who work hard for each other all the time.
The club has now secured their immediate future and will be able to raise the standard of facilities and complete the renovation of the stadium. Promotion will be worth around £90 million to the club and they can use this to make sure they are never going to end up in financial trouble or outside of the Championship, at the very least.
Betting Advice
Say goodbye to any thoughts of Blackpool staying up right now because this will be very difficult for the side. They have made very few squad changes and you have to keep a level head in the face of such a romantic situation for the club.
The better option will be going match by match and seeing how the club copes playing against the better sides. This will also allow you to see who is having a bigger impact among the team and you can then back these individuals who will be more likely to score goals and help you cut any losses.
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