The Editorial Inquisition - 8th August - Blackpool
Peter Gillatt 46 Civil Servant
How long have you supported Blackpool?
This is my 38th season following the Seasiders and the 37th outside the top
flight...
flight...
What is your earliest memory of the club?
Stood on the Spion Kop at Blackpool's first home game of the Season when
they returned the (Old) first Division on a warm sunny Monday evening August 17th 1970 against Liverpool the game ended 0-0 in front of 23,000.
they returned the (Old) first Division on a warm sunny Monday evening August 17th 1970 against Liverpool the game ended 0-0 in front of 23,000.
What is the clubs proudest moment you have witnessed?
Apart from the two LDV Cup Final wins in 2002 and 2004 the proudest moment was seeing the side return to the Championship after a 28 year break by picking up the League one Play-off Trophy at the new Wembley in 2007defeating Yeovil 2-0 and breaking the club record of 10
consecutive wins in the process. The fact I was actually there whilst
consecutive wins in the process. The fact I was actually there whilst
undergoing chemotherapy for Lymphoma was also a personal triumph.
How did the 'pool perform in 2007/08?
Whilst the bookies and most observers had us singled out for a swift return
to League One Simon Grayson and his plucky Blackpool outfit confounded
everyone by securing another term in the Championship and indeed many heaped
praise on the team and fans alike for the quality of football and support.
to League One Simon Grayson and his plucky Blackpool outfit confounded
everyone by securing another term in the Championship and indeed many heaped
praise on the team and fans alike for the quality of football and support.
Have you made many additions or sufferered many departures in the summer?
The loss of the Irish wizard Wes Hoolahan and the Latvian Kaspars Gorkks due to release clauses in their contracts will be a huge blow and Simon Grayson has almost broke up the side that gave Pool that coveted promotion in 2007.
Out went : Michael Jackson (Shrewsbury, free), Keigan Parker (Huddersfield,
free), John Hills, Paul Tierney, Phil Doughty, Andy Welsh, Marcus Bean
(Brentford, free), Lewis Edge, Michael Flynn (Huddersfield, free), Matt
Lawler, Phil Marsh, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich, undisclosed) However new signings look to have rejuvenated the squad which arguably is better equipped to deal with life in the Championship. these are: Marlon Broomes (Stoke, free), Matt Gilks (Norwich, undisclosed), Joe Martin (Tottenham,undisclosed), Alex John-Baptiste (Mansfield, undisclosed) Jermaine Wright (Southampton, free) Steve Kabba (Watford, loan), Adam Hammill (Liverpool, loan), David Vaughan (Real Sociedad £200,000), Robe Edwards (Wolves £275,000)
Out went : Michael Jackson (Shrewsbury, free), Keigan Parker (Huddersfield,
free), John Hills, Paul Tierney, Phil Doughty, Andy Welsh, Marcus Bean
(Brentford, free), Lewis Edge, Michael Flynn (Huddersfield, free), Matt
Lawler, Phil Marsh, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich, undisclosed) However new signings look to have rejuvenated the squad which arguably is better equipped to deal with life in the Championship. these are: Marlon Broomes (Stoke, free), Matt Gilks (Norwich, undisclosed), Joe Martin (Tottenham,undisclosed), Alex John-Baptiste (Mansfield, undisclosed) Jermaine Wright (Southampton, free) Steve Kabba (Watford, loan), Adam Hammill (Liverpool, loan), David Vaughan (Real Sociedad £200,000), Robe Edwards (Wolves £275,000)
How have the team shaped up in pre season?
Started with a 2-1 win at Highbury, Fleetwood and ended with a 4-2 behind
closed doors win at Bloomfield Road over Blackburn Rovers the rest in-between
was largely forgettable.
was largely forgettable.
Who is Blackpool's best player?
Last seasons player of the season Stephen Crainey is arguably our best
player he filled a left back role that seemingly no-one else could fill for
years.
years.
Who might Bristol City be able to expose?
With so many changes the obvious weakest link is in midfield however the
impressive recent signings which we haven't had the change to see play may
help plug the gaps.
help plug the gaps.
How do you assess your chances this campaign?
I predicted a 21st place finish last season and will be happy if we can
achieve something similar again.
How do you think Bristol City will do this year?
A side that came within a whisker of Premiership football would be likely to
under achieve the following season but I think another top ten finish is
quite capable for the Robins
under achieve the following season but I think another top ten finish is
quite capable for the Robins
Which player do you think will be the dangerman for your team?
Whilst I'm not ducking the question with such a huge change in our squad its
difficult to assess where our main threat will be obviously I'd like to
think that we would have our shooting boots on early this season but I
suspect it will be our defence which will get the plaudits especially if
difficult to assess where our main threat will be obviously I'd like to
think that we would have our shooting boots on early this season but I
suspect it will be our defence which will get the plaudits especially if
they can continue to maintain a fortress Bloomfield Road which helped us
survive last term.
survive last term.
If Blackpool were a famous person, who would they be?
Philip Glenister (Gene Hunt) a bit of a maverick and not scared of throwing
a few punches to get a result!
a few punches to get a result!
Sum the club up in three words...
Exhilarating, frustrating, Solvent
Give us your prediction for the game...
Has to be a draw like last season probably the result that would suit both
clubs.
clubs.
As far as the season goes generally...
Who will win the league?
Birmingham seem favourite this is not a part of the table I'm likely to be
looking at this season so who am I to argue!
looking at this season so who am I to argue!
Who else will get promoted?
QPR and Reading
Who will be relegated?
Barnsley, Doncaster and either Sheffield Wednesday or Southampton!