Ian Holloway: Don't write Blackpool off

Manager Ian Holloway has dismissed claims that his side is weakest in the Premier League. He said that the stiff challenge will be met by management,fans and players alike.

Blackpool finished sixth last season in the Championship and gained promotion having won the play offs. Holloway added that the spirit of fans and players will decide whether they avoid the relegation or not.

"You couldn't ask for any harder away games," Holloway said of Blackpool's first set of away fixtures to the club's website. "But no matter what happens, we've got to play them all by the end of the season at home and away.

"The reality has hit home now, we've seen ourselves in the division with the other names there, so it's totally real. It's fantastic for every one of us to have that challenge.

"Don't write us off too quickly with our lads, it was fantastic what they achieved last season and it's amazing what spirit can do.

"I'm just really pleased that our fans will have a home game to start with."

Blackpool will face Wigan Athletic on August 14 at Bloomfield road.