So much work still to do, warns Blackpool boss

Neil McDonald has warned his Blackpool players: we aren't safe yet. And last night's results proved it.
Neil McDonaldNeil McDonald
Neil McDonald

Ten points from four games have given the Seasiders a real boost in their battle against back-to-back relegations at the end of another below-par season at Bloomfield Road.

But last night’s 2-0 wins for Fleetwood and Oldham left the Seasiders just a point above the League One drop zone, having played more games than both those clubs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ahead of the weekend’s clash with second-bottom Colchester at Bloomfield Road, manager McDonald has warned his players their work is far from done.

“Without a shadow of a doubt we have work to do,” the Pool boss insisted.

“We aren’t going to switch off just because we’ve had a good performance. Every game has to be played at 100 per cent from now on in. But the players are responding really well, working so hard and are getting their rewards.”

Pool have 45 points, five short of the 50 McDonald suggested would be enough for survival this season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Two wins from five would do the trick and McDonald said: “It was important we kept another clean sheet last weekend. It’s great to see both ends of the park working well.

“We’ve tried to learn from our mistakes and everyone is working hard in training. I think that’s showing in the matches. We are getting that bit of luck but the harder we work the more luck we get.”

Next opponents Colchester lie 10 points behind Pool but are on a much-improved run of form themselves.

After two wins and a very credible draw against Millwall, Kevin Keen’s side look a much tougher proposition than a few weeks ago.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That said, McDonald believes the feelgood factor around Bloomfield Road can propel Pool to safety.

He said: “We have a big smile on our faces at the moment but we can’t get carried away. We are still in danger and we still need more points.”

McDonald should have an almost fully-fit squad to choose from this weekend, including defender Lloyd Jones.

Jones scored for Liverpool’s U21s against Leicester this week, prompting talk his Blackpool loan had ended.

Jones hasn’t featured for Pool since the defeat against Oldham three weeks ago, and the terms of his deal allow him to play for Liverpool’s youth team should he not be involved at Bloomfield Road.