But the manager is more realistic than most when to comes to looking at the bigger picture, beyond Monday's game against Preston North End.

As a Bristol Rovers-mad youngster, and later player and manager, Holloway used to get so wound up by the Rovers-City derby that he left himself exhausted.

It's why he won't let himself get too caught up in the emotion and drama of Monday's showdown, even though he'll love every minute.

Said Holloway: "I left Bristol many years ago and before I left the biggest thing ever was the derby and whether we beat them.

"Then I went to London and people used to say 'did you play for City or Rovers?' It meant absolutely nothing to them.

"So I'm sorry but does anyone really care about Preston and Blackpool? Do you know what I mean?

"I want them to care about us by getting to the Premier League and I'm sure Alan Irvine is the same.

"You can't hide people's emotions. It is a wonderful game and a wonderful way of spending your recreation time – supporting a team and being part of a gang.

"But at the end of the day there are three points at stake.

"Hopefully we'll win because we play better than them.

"If they beat us I'll shake their hands and say well done and we move on from there."

Holloway has read several reports on Preston and watched them in action earlier in the week when they were edged out by Newcastle at Deepdale.

"It was a terrifically hard-fought game, nothing outstanding, both well organised," he said.

"Newcastle won but Preston could easily have taken the points.

"I admire Preston. They have been there or thereabouts the last two seasons and have come close to promotion so they are a yardstick for us to try and catch and one day overtake – and if we can do that I'm sure the Blackpool fans will be happy.

"I've got the utmost respect for them but I won't be changing things – either in our build-up or the way we play.

"It is just another game, though yes it's a derby, a night match, on TV, and I can't wait."

Holloway has all sorts of selection dilemmas. Neal Eardley will hope for a recall at right back, which could mean a reshuffle of the back four.

Billy Clarke, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Hameur Bouazza are also champing at the bit for a place in the starting line up, while Ishmel Demontagnac is available again after completing a three-match suspension.

DON'T MISS OUT EIGHT-PAGE DERBY PULL-OUT, ONLY IN SATURDAY'S GAZETTE.