Blackpool wants to keep David Vaughan, Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks
Blackpool has admitted that club officials are working tirelessly to extend the contracts of key players David Vaughan, Stephen Crainey and goalkeeper Matt Gilks.
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has admitted in the recent past that he fears he will lose a number of important players to other Premier League teams. However, the club has confirmed that everything possible
is being down to tie down the futures of the club's best players.
"There are quite a lot of players without an option but the main ones, in the first team at the moment, are
Crainey, Vaughan and Gilks," said Blackpool secretary Matt Williams.
Blackpool is not a huge Premier League club and the squad must stay together if the side is going to have any chance of being safe by the time next spring arrives.
Must keep assets
The club must keep important players because the playing squad is so small. If key players are allowed to leave then there is very little in terms of back up. Manager Ian
Holloway would be forced to select inexperienced first team players or youths to fill the void.
The club does not have a tremendous amount of financial pulling power. This means it would be impossible for Blackpool to immediately replace the calibre of player that
the club stands to lose.
The future of Holloway could be determined by what happens with Blackpool's players in the transfer market. The manager has made it clear that it's his main concern and
may feel let down by the club if key players leave.
"I know the chairman is looking at those, where we are at with them, and he
is keen to keep all three, particularly given their form," added Williams.
Betting advice
It is still a little too early to say whether Blackpool has a strong or outside chance of staying in the Premier League. The club has started the season well but there are a
lot of games left and many points to be won. Have a small punt on them pulling of survival.
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