Blackpool coach shares current Bloomfield Road mood as he reflects on Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers lessons
Stephen Crainey discusses Blackpool’s pre-season camp in Spain and his return to Bloomfield Road.
A return to Blackpool was something that Stephen Crainey couldn’t turn down - as he sets his sights on a strong pre-season camp in Spain.
The 45-year-old enjoyed a successful six-year stint on the Fylde Coast during his playing days, scoring four goals and providing 27 assists across 228 outings in Tangerine.
One of the standout matches from the defender’s Seasiders career was the 2010 Championship play-off final, in which the club won promotion to the Premier League under Ian Holloway.
Following his retirement in 2016, Crainey started his coaching journey - which has included a spell in charge of Fleetwood Town and time with Wigan Athletic.
He also linked up with former teammate Ian Evatt at Bolton Wanderers, before returning to Bloomfield Road with the now-Blackpool boss back in October.
The club legends have experienced highs and lows so far, but are hoping to kick on with their first pre-season at the helm.
“As soon as the manager asked me to work with him, it was a no-brainer,” Crainey said.
“Since then, it’s been a pleasure to work with him. We bounce off each other. We all work as a team together, wanting three points on a Saturday.
“The most enjoyable period of my playing career was at Blackpool, we had loads of success. I felt I had a strong affiliation with the club and the fans, so it’s nice to be back.
“As coaches, we want to drive this club forward and we’ll leave no stone unturned every single day to get it where it needs to be.
“We want to achieve and do good things. Is it going to take a lot of hard work? - Yes, but we’re willing to put the hard yards in to get to that.
“I’ve loved my journey. The opportunities I got at Fleetwood working with the younger kids right through to being a manager, then working with the U21s and then the first team there and at Bolton.
“I’m loving it, and I’m learning every day. Are we the finished article? - No, but we are willing to improve.
“We are going to get setbacks along the way, but we want to be robust enough to bounce back. It’s about showing a strong mindset and mentality.”
All the latest news and top stories from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast directly to your phone.
Never miss a thing.Click here to join
The Seasiders are spending the next week abroad, with the club set up in Spain.
Until July 4, the Hotel TorreMirona Golf & Spa in Navata, which is to the north of Girona, will be home for Evatt’s squad.
“We’re really looking forward to the week ahead,” Crainey added.
“We had a good night’s training yesterday and a really good morning session. We’ve done some work together as a group and some unit work, and the application was spot on - I’m really pleased.
“We want to work the group hard and be ready for that first home against Wycombe. If they show what they’ve shown in the last two days throughout the whole of pre-season then we’ll be ready.
“It’s nice to have a rest (during the off-season), but after a week or two you’re twiddling your thumbs. You want to be back in ASAP. Football has been my life since I was a young kid. I wanted to play the game, and then the next best thing is doing what I’m doing now.
“Even when you’re off, you’re looking to evolve and get better - that’s us as staff too. The manager is always challenging us, and we challenge each other every day. It’s all about improving.”