Promotion still the target vows Blackpool captain

Pool go into today’s home clash with Notts County 15th in League Two, having won just four of their 15 games. But the experienced midfielder insists the results don’t tell the whole story and says promotion is still very much the main aim.

Pugh said: “You ask if this squad is good enough for League Two – well, I think it’s good enough for League One.

“But we can’t just talk about it – we’ve got to prove it out there on the pitch.

“It’s still very early and there are still a huge amount of points to play for. If we’re there or thereabouts around Christmas, we’ll have a great chance.”

Pugh, who has only recently returned to the side after injury, admits the season hasn’t gone to plan so far.

“It’s been a little frustrating,” he said. “We’ve been pleased overall with our performances, but now it’s time to get a bit of consistency going and start climbing up the league.

“I know a couple of our wins were in cup games, but we’re unbeaten in four and that’s got to be a positive. We’ve just got to carry that into the league.

“There have been some very good performances but we’ve not backed them up with results, so we’re looking for that to turn.”

Today’s visitors to Bloomfield Road are in the play-offs places, but Pugh believes there’s very little to choose between the sides.

And he insists Blackpool will soon be challenging too if they can improve their consistency.

He added: “I don’t think there’s a massive difference between the teams in the league. I think most sides are like for like, although teams like Carlisle and Plymouth are doing well.

“We know we’re as good as any team in this league and when we play well we can beat anyone.

“It’s vital we have a good team spirit – it’s massively important for any successful team. There are a lot of games in this league and all the lads will be needed as the season progresses.

“The target is promotion. We want to get out of this division and get into League One. I think the squad is up to it.”