Blackpool 2010 revisited: Ian Holloway can't wait to work with new arrival

It’s 10 years since the greatest achievement of Blackpool FC’s recent history: promotion to the Premier League for a season feasting on unforgettable football at the English game’s top table.
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We’re back dipping into the archives each day to bring you STEVE CANAVAN’S Gazette reports from a decade ago on Blackpool’s time in the promised land.

Ten years ago, Ian Holloway discussed mixed fortunes in the transfer market...

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Ian Holloway can’t wait to finally link up with Israeli new boy Dekel Keinan but the Blackpool manager also spoke of his disappointment at failing to land top target DJ Campbell.

Ian Holloway had to be patient before Dekel Keinan arrived at BlackpoolIan Holloway had to be patient before Dekel Keinan arrived at Blackpool
Ian Holloway had to be patient before Dekel Keinan arrived at Blackpool

Keinan arrives at the end of the week, after playing for his country tomorrow against Gambia.

He won’t make his Seasiders debut at Wigan on Saturday, mainly because his transfer has been so protracted he hardly knows any of his teammates yet.

Holloway said: “It would just be nice to see Keinan. I have met the boy. He has been over and he has trained with us.

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“But these God awful work permits. This is the sort of thing you get with some transfers.

“Why he had to go back to his own country to get this and that stamped, I don’t know.

“And now he has been called up for an international and won’t be here until Thursday.

“This move started a month ago, so how frustrated am I with all this?

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“Ideally, I want to announce a signing when they actually walk into the building, so any of my lads in that position (centre-half) will think ‘What’s happening? Am I going to play or not?’

“It is much better when they come crashing through the front door. I cannot believe how long this transfer has taken.”

As for Campbell, Holloway has made repeated bids for a striker who scored 11 goals in 17 games on loan from Leicester last season, the top offer over £1m.

But the Foxes have decided not to sell, mainly because new boss Paulo Sousa wants the 28-year-old in his team.

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Holloway added: “ The one I wanted to do more than anything else was DJ. I’m sorry I am not in control of that.

“We’re not going to pay £2m or £3m for him because he is 28, but I tried my utmost and we almost did it.

“It was almost there, then his club turned round and said no. And the boy has now scored five goals in his last five games.”

Holloway, who has also been interested in Rob Hulse of Derby and Ipswich’s Jon Stead, added: “There were three I thought I had signed last week and they all scored on the opening day for their Championship teams, so my judgment isn’t too bad.”

“The fact that we can’t actually tie them up isn’t my fault, I can assure you of that.”