Delighted Ian Holloway praises Marlon Harewood impact
When it was announced that Blackpool had completed a deal for striker Marlon Harewood, many believed this was merely another nail in the Seasiders' coffin – despite the fact they'd not even played their first Premier League match.
But after yesterday's sensational 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium, Ian Holloway's decision to bring the powerful striker to the club promises to pay dividends.
Harewood grabbed a brace on his debut for the club and assisted Gary Taylor-Fletcher's opener, as Blackpool eased to their first three points of the season and advanced, temporarily at least, to the top of the league.
"Marlon has signed a two-year deal and is going to be pivotal for us," Holloway told the club's official website.
"I need a big, powerful unit upfront and when we go to the huge places with tradition, Marlon has been there, seen it and done it. That is vital for my young lads."
Few would have predicted the Premier League newcomers to enjoy such an emphatic start to life in the top-flight. Widely-tipped for relegation before the league kicked off this weekend, Holloway was overjoyed with his side's victory and praised his entire squad.
"The new boys have popped up and helped us. I had to play them today because we've lost a few who we had last year, who we borrowed," the Blackpool boss added.
"But I'm also really proud of my boys from last year who I want to give a chance to and they really rise to every challenge."
If it wasn't for Chelsea's 6-0 demolition of West Brom on Saturday evening, Blackpool would have finished the opening day of the season in top spot. But Holloway and co certainly won't be disappointed to find themselves sitting in second place.
Attentions now turn to the club's next game: a daunting away trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.
Despite his side's 4-0 win over Wigan, Holloway is realistic about his side's chances in north London, and jokingly suggested that he'll be suffering from sleepless nights over the forthcoming days.
"I'm very, very pleased but now I've got a big worry - and I probably won't sleep this week - going down to Arsenal. That's the truth," he said.
"Whatever happens, we'll try and not embarrass ourselves and keep going and keep our own belief."
They may be brought back down to earth with a bang next weekend; but for now, the Seasiders are on top of the world.
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