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.

Ian Holloway cools transfer fears of Blackpool fans

Ian Holloway has told concerned Blackpool FC fans not to fear about the clubs lack of activity in the transfer market.

The Tangerines were expected to add to their tiny squad but so far not a single player has arrived at Bloomfield Road.

"Why are people so worried about us not signing anyone, what is wrong with people?" Holloway told Skysports, who has been linked with a move for Arsenal's Danny Simpson, in The Blackpool Gazette. "We will get it sorted, just calm down.

"Trust the people I brought in last year. So if you're worried about the people I'll bring in this year, don't."

"If you think we are going to go into this season with what we've got, which is 16 players, then they must be crazy.

"Now is not the time to worry."

"I've left the chairman with a list of players that he's ringing up about, he'll find out how much they will be and I'll have a look at that when I get back.

"Any players that are bought and sold now will be players that we couldn't afford anyway."

Ian Holloway's Speech After Winning Promotion to Premier League

Ian Holloway's Speech After Winning Promotion to Premier League.