'Destined for greater things' - The Blackpool FC stars who caught the eye in the early 90s ahead of careers with Aston Villa and QPR
Tony Rodwell discusses some of the standout players from his time with Blackpool.
Blackpool have provided a springboard for a number of players throughout the years - with former winger Tony Rodwell admitting that it was clear that two of his teammates in particular were ‘destined’ for greater things.
The 63-year-old was with the Seasiders between 1990 and 1994, during which time he was part of the club’s first play-off success.
A year after being defeated by Torquay United on penalties, Billy Ayre’s side overcame Scunthorpe United on spot kicks at Wembley to win promotion to the Third Division.
The first final saw Alan Wright start at centre back for Blackpool, with the now-Manchester United youth coach being one of Rodwell’s standouts.
After coming through the ranks at Bloomfield Road, the 54-year-old went on to spend time with the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Trevor Sinclair featured off the bench in both of the Wembley occasions, before going on to represent QPR, West Ham United and Manchester City.
The winger also picked up 12 England caps - which included four outings at the 2002 World Cup.
Rodwell states he could foresee bright things from his former teammates, but was left a little surprised by certain achievements.
“Alan Wright was probably the star player when I got there,” he said.
“He was so small, but could read the game - he was fast. He was in the England U18s squad when he was only 16 or 17, so you could tell he was destined for greater things.
“Trevor (Sinclair) was obviously very talented, but was only young. He started off in my position on the right wing but we soon found out he was really good as a striker.