Can Blackpool compete in the Premier League?

The 2009/2010 campaign will surely be one of the best remembered in the history of Blackpool FC, no matter the outcome of their first season in the Premier League. Ian Holloway led the Seasiders to unlikely promotion via the play-offs in his maiden season at the helm, after being given just a one year contract by the board, and won over the fans and the media with his spontaneous and quirky quotes and personality.

But as 14 August approaches, and the euphoria from promotion slowly dissipates into anticipation of the new season, Blackpool’s luck seems to have run out. An extensive check of the relegation odds from prominent bookmakers finds the best odds at 1/3 for them to beat the drop, from Paddy Power. There are even low odds for Holloway’s men to lower the bar for least points ever managed, set by Derby County during a tortous 2007/8 season where they managed just 11 points.

Seamus Coleman and DJ Campbell, both important cogs in the play-off success, have returned to Everton and Leicester, respectively. Coleman looks set to stay at Everton and fight for his spot, as he is highly-rated by manager David Moyes, and the Irishman poised to break into the first team at the expense of againg Tony Hibbert. Campbell is still a possibility, but Leciester gaffer Paulo Sousa has repeatedly stated that Campbell is a part of his plans.

Holloway has yet to make a signing, but it seems he sees the loan route as the preferred option. He wants to bring in Manchester United youngsters Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, and this could well happen as Alex Ferguson is eager for both to gain first team football. And if the team is to play attractive, attacking football, as Holloway intends to, then reinforcements are indeed needed.

In the current squad, there are just three strikers; Billy Clarke has no Premier League experience, and is likely out for the season, Louis Almond is just 18 and has made no senior appearances for the Tangerines, and Brett Ormerod is nearing the end of his career and would struggle to get playing time at any other top flight club. Gary Taylor-Fletcher has often been employed at the center of the three strikers, even though he is a midfielder by trade. Even if the club were to bring in Welbeck or Campbell on loan, the 4-3-3 formation that Holloway employs would call for at least four quality strikers in the squad.

The midfield situation is a bit better, but still needs a lot of work. Charlie Adam enjoyed a resurgence at Bloomfied Road following his move from Rangers, and his heart and grit is unquestioned, but the Scot has never been given the chance in the top flight. Jason Euell impressed for Blackpool last season, and the 33 year old’s Premier League experience may prove useful, even if his legs aren’t quite as fresh as they once were. 

Keith Southern and David Vaughan are both dependable, hard workers, but their quality is in question and with little depth behind them, an injury to either would be disastrous. Ishmael Demontangnac and Stephen Husband have a combined age of 37, and despite the promise that each have shown (rewarded by underage caps for England and Scotland, respectively) they have only mad 11 combined appearances for Blackpool.

Alex Baptiste and Stephen Crainey are useful and experienced at for the back four, but Coleman’s departure leaves Holloway searching for a right back; Neal Eardley was easily displaced upon Coleman’s arrival, and is not thought highly of by Holloway. Rob Edwards is one of the tougher centre backs in England, and all of his determination will be needed to keep out ravenous attacks this season. Matt Gilks and Paul Rachubka have alternated at keeper in recent years, and both are very experienced. It seems Holloway is content at that position.

The pending addition of Dekel Keinan from Maccabi Haifa brings some much needed quality to the defence. The centre back has 15 caps for Israel, and will certainly go straight into the starting eleven. For months now Celtic’s Pat McCourt has been linked with Blackpool, and the winger would certain bring some pace and creativity to the side. However, fellow Northern Irishman Neil Lennon seems to have taken more of a liking to McCourt then predecessor Tony Mowbray, and this season could see McCourt feature more often for the SPL side, lowering chances of the move. Francis Jeffers could be given a second chance in the Premier League, with the former Everton wonderkid being given a trial. Holloway could do well by inquiring about a few of Arsenal’s young guns, many of whom go out on loan each season. A lot of work is left to be done.

This season’s Premier League looks to be the toughest in years.  Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are all looking typically strong. Tottenham were able to break into fourth spot last year, and there are genuine opinions that they and Manchester City, powered by their seemingly limitless millions, can mount real title challenges. It is also impossible to forget Liverpool, who look to rebuild after last year’s disappointing finish in seventh, as well as Aston Villa and Everton, both full of European ambition.

Roy Hogdson swapped Craven Cottage for Anfield, but the majority of the side that almost won the Europa League remains intact. Roberto Martinez has improved Wigan with a batch of new signings from around the world, and Birmingham and Blackburn Rovers will be keen to improve on their top half finishes. Sunderland and West Ham are traditionally considered “big clubs,” and their fan support will expect much more than last year, where
 relegation was closer than European competition. Newcastle defied the doubters to come back up on the first try, and their huge fanbase and strong squad is a tough task for almost any opponent.

It seems there are almost no easy matches anymore; Blackpool may find out the hard way.

By Andrew McCarten

July 27, 2010