Slocombe: Pool did the business on and off the pitch

Sam Slocombe believes Blackpool's summer recruitment was a key factor in the club's promotion success.
Slocombe lifts the League Two play-off final trophySlocombe lifts the League Two play-off final trophy
Slocombe lifts the League Two play-off final trophy

Gary Bowyer, who only arrived at the club in June of last year, made a host of changes to team personnel in a bid to stem the tide of back-to-back relegations.

That ultimately proved to be the case as the Seasiders clinched an instant return to League One through the play-offs after beating Exeter City 2-1 in the final on Sunday.

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Slocombe, a summer arrival himself, believes Bowyer and those above him deserve huge credit for putting this squad together.

Promotion was the goal at the start of the season so for the lads to achieve it is a great feeling,” the goalkeeper said.

“We’ve been bang at it all season. We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve been together all season, which has been important.

“A little shout out to the chairman and the manager for their recruitment, because for this league it’s been fantastic. It’s given us the opportunity to have the experience to get us through this situation.

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“I’ve been in teams before which have dropped and dropped and it’s hard to switch it so quickly, so to come in and do that has been fantastic for the club and the supporters, and the manager been a massive part of that.

“His recruitment has been spot on. Even the togetherness in the dressing room has brought it through and the fans that have been there this season have been top drawer.”

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My players were immense in adversity, says Blackpool boss

Pool had to face up to adversity in the showpiece Wembley final when stand-in skipper Tom Aldred, who took the armband in the absence of the injured Andy Taylor, was forced off the pitch with an injury just half an hour in.

The change allowed Blackpool to return to a back four, and Slocombe believes the forced substitution was crucial in the win.

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He added: “Nothing against Tom but I think it may have been a blessing in disguise because it meant we had to change our shape – which I think brought us back into the game.

“The shape we started with almost fell into their hands and allowed them to pass the ball and even though we scored early, it was backs against the wall stuff for most of the first half.

“Credit to those on the pitch but the little change in shape helped us a little bit.”