Fleetwood boss calls for calm on derby day

Two separate protests are planned outside of Bloomfield Road, ahead of the 3pm kick off in the derby game.

But Pressley is hoping there’ll be no regrettable scenes inside the ground.

The Town boss is no stranger to hard times in football, having managed Coventry City during their exile from the Ricoh Arena.

And he feels for Blackpool’s fans who have seen the club slide from the top flight to the League One drop zone.

“I hope it’s football that takes centre stage,” said Pressley.”

“That’s the most important factor.

“I know they have a lot of disgruntled fans and I understand, they are very passionate about their football club.

“They care enormously.

“But I just hope the game can go through with no ill effects.”

Town are likely to take 2,000 supporters of their own to Bloomfield Road and Pressley is hoping they will be in fine voice.

Extra tram services are being provided to carry supporters the six miles from Highbury to Manchester Square.

“I was really really encouraged by Tuesday,” he said.

“It wasn’t a nice night in terms of weather, the Champions League was on the TV.

“It’s very easy as a supporter to stay in your house.

“But the turnout was fantastic, it was a crowd of over 3,000 and they were very vocal.

“That was really pleasing, it’s a good sign.”