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Grayson's message to Pool ahead of Bristol City
Simon Grayson's message to his players was clear as Blackpool prepared to take on Bristol City in today's Championship opener at Bloomfield Road.
"Grab your chance with both hands" was the rallying cry for the new boys and old hands.
The Seasiders manager has made 12 summer signings and has a big squad.
Many were set to be disappointed today when the manager picked his 11
to face the Robins.
Grayson was aware that he would have some unhappy players on his hands, but he was more concerned with the ones who make the team.
Privilege
He will tell them they're privileged to be in the starting line-up and have an opportunity to keep the shirt if they do well.
"Whoever I pick, I hope they will perform to the best of their ability and use the opportunity I've given them to go out and get a result,"
said Grayson.
"This is a big chance for one or two players and I hope they take it. I expect them to.
"I'm not going to name names and give any indication of what the team will be, but whoever I send out today they know it is the first game of the season and they can be in the team for the rest of the season.
"If not, then we've got strength in depth now and we will replace them –it's as simple as that."
Last season's ever present Shaun Barker faced a late fitness test – if he got the OK it was a fight between him and Keith Southern to be
chosen as skipper – while Joe Martin (hip) and Stephen Crainey (groin) were both highly doubtful.
Mo Camara, signed on a month's loan from Derby, was on standby to make his debut at left back, while record signing Rob Edwards was set to partner Ian Evatt in the heart of the defence.
The club were still sweating on getting international clearance for David Vaughan – signed from Real Sociedad at the start of the week – but were hopeful it would arrive before kick-off.
Grayson and his men just can't wait to get going.
"It's nice to be at home and I expect it will be a full house. Mind you
we went to Leicester last year and won so home advantage isn't too important," said the manager.
"However, it's just a great day in the football calendar."
"The nerves of the first day of a new season and the expectancy level will be there. It will be another long season."
Gary Johnson's side represented a tough start.
The Robins came within a whisker of promotion to the Premiership in May, losing out in the play-off final to Hull City.
Grayson admires the job Johnson has done but was anything but fearful of today's opponents.
"Bristol City did ever so well last season and losing in the final was a blow for them," added Grayson.
"We know them really well.
"We came up from League One together. They've kicked on a little bit
more than us. They've got a few new additions and paid more than 2m for Nicky Maynard from Crewe – that's what you have to do, keep
improving.
"They're a good team but I hope we'll be able to put one over on them."
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North west
