Pool ace says great escape is possible

David Norris accepts the criticism fired towards Blackpool's players but hopes to prove them all wrong.
Norris - survival the name of the gameNorris - survival the name of the game
Norris - survival the name of the game

The Seasiders face Wigan on Saturday afternoon in their final hope game of the season (kick-off 12:30pm) knowing a defeat could leave them on the verge of relegation to League Two.

With Fleetwood not in action until Monday lunchtime, Pool can’t actually be relegated on Saturday afternoon, although a win would pile the pressure on their rivals at the bottom of the table.

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And Norris hopes Pool can prove a few people wrong by pulling off a great escape.

“I think the criticism comes with the game,” said the former Leeds and Ipswich midfield man.

“If you’re not performing or producing then you are going to get stick and you have to take it on the chin. To be fair the lads and the management team have stuck together.

“We’ve always tried to do the right things even when things haven’t gone our way.

“It’s a big game and probably no-one gives us a chance.

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“So we have to prove we are good enough by getting the win.”

Blackpool face a trip to Peterborough a week on Sunday for their final game of the season, knowing two wins out of two would likely be enough to see them avoid the drop.

And still being in the race for the survival places is all Norris wants going into next week’s game.

He said: “After those two poor results we just wanted to make sure we were still in with a chance to take it to the final day.

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“We are now relying on results to go our way, but as long as we can do what we do then I think we’ll have a chance.

“As much as I’d like to say I don’t, I am one to look at all the fixtures. I’ve sat down and had a look at what we might need.

“I think it’s all about us, two wins would give us a real chance. But for now it’s about winning today and taking it to the final day.”

Blackpool welcome a strong Wigan side to Bloomfield Road on Saturday, in the knowledge a point would see them promoted back to the Championship.

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A Tom Aldred goal earned Pool a win in the first game between the pair, and Norris would love a repeat.

“Wigan have been on a good run since we last played them, but when we did we had a game plan and it worked,” he said.

“We’ll have to do that again this afternoon.

“They are on a very good run and will likely be crowned champions. We just need to make sure we forget all that and get the win.

“They lost recently and the pressure has probably been on a little. Hopefully that will play into their hands.”

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Blackpool’s players have been on the wrong end of fan criticism in recent weeks, as many turn their back on the club due to their angst at owners the Oystons.

A huge protest is planned ahead of Saturday’s game, something the players are going to try and ignore.

Norris explained: “I know the fans have their own issues with what’s going on off the field.

“Hopefully as players wins will keep the fans on our side at least.

“If we can get a bit of support it makes such a difference.”