Blackpool boss shocked by fans' negative reaction

Neil McDonald says he 'couldn't believe' the negative reaction of Blackpool fans last weekend and has appealed for their backing at Rochdale tomorrow.
Blackpool manager Neil McDonaldBlackpool manager Neil McDonald
Blackpool manager Neil McDonald

Sections of the Bloomfield Road crowd chanted “You don’t know what you’re doing” at McDonald during the 1-0 home defeat by Colchester and jeered midfielder Brad Potts.

It’s been a difficult season for the Seasiders at home, with attendances appearing to be at their lowest for a decade and an almost non-existent atmosphere.

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But manager McDonald says the negativity surprised him. “We were a team which had won 10 points out of a possible 12, yet the atmosphere inside Bloomfield Road was totally different last weekend. I couldn’t believe that,” he said.

“Brad has responded well this week, although he was disappointed.

“He has played every game and has been fighting for the shirt. I want everyone to support him and all the players.”

Around 700 Blackpool fans are expected to make the short trip to Rochdale tomorrow as Pool aim for a win which would drag them out of the bottom four.

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It’s away from home that dissenting voices have been loudest as fans continue to protest against the Oyston ownership.

But McDonald pleaded for what he says would be vital support. “I am personally asking the fans to get behind the team and forget about everything else for 90 minutes,” he said.

“When they get behind the team, we’ve given them results. We need every bit of help we can get.

“In the last two away games we’ve been really well supported. I’m asking for that again on Saturday.

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“They want to see us win games and celebrate with us, so I hope they can help us.

“We are playing for the fans – it’s their team. We are trying our best to give them results.

“We are a young team and we certainly don’t need anyone shouting at the players to put them off their game.

“It’s important they get behind the team and hopefully they will go away smiling.”

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Should his team pull off a great escape, McDonald hopes they will receive the credit he feels has been denied them.

“I’m not sure we’ve had many plaudits when things have gone well,” he said. “But I’ve got broad shoulders and we are working very hard.”