Blackpool will entertain the viewing public: Ten years after the Seasiders' Premier League promotion

We’re dipping into the archives each day to bring you STEVE CANAVAN’S Gazette reports from a decade ago on Blackpool’s remarkable journey to the promised land.

Ten years ago, Ian Holloway believed his side would prove television stars...

Ian Holloway is convinced Blackpool will not be shown last on Match of the Day next season – because there will be too many goals flying in.

“And hopefully not just at our end,” joked the Seasiders boss.

Indeed, anyone who thinks Holloway (pictured) may be tempted to adopt a more defensive approach in the top flight is mistaken.

The manager said: “We went up last season because we played with no fear and we will keep doing that.

“If we are seven down at Chelsea, then I’m going to try to score – so it might end up 12.

“We won’t change our philosophy about attacking people, home and away, and that might lead to some entertaining games, so we won’t end up last on Match of the Day every week because there will be some goals going in!

“At the end of the day my job is to try to make it entertaining.”

Such talk shouldn’t mask the fact that Holloway is a thoughtful tactician who is well aware that he will have to make certain alterations in the Premier League.

“We want to do our best, and not do what some useless load of muppets are already saying we will – get less than 10 points,” he added.

“People know I like a laugh and a joke, but my lads know I’m serious about the football and never will I be more tested than in the Premier League – I can’t wait.

“The way we play may have to be slightly different because we won’t have as much of the ball, particularly away from home.

“That is going to affect the whole concept of how we play because our lads got used to having the lion’s share of possession in nearly all the games last season.

“Next season will be totally different because I can’t imagine Chelsea having only 48 per cent of possession against our 52 per cent, can you?

“We will be lucky if we get a sniff of it, so when we do have the ball we must be very careful and try to counter-attack. It’s going to be a whole different scenario.

“Last season we surprised a lot of teams by having great retention of the ball, making the opposition work, getting them tired and then hitting them.

“I don’t think they will be our tactics next season. We’ll have to learn how to bounce off the ropes a little bit, take a few punches and then throw a counter.

“All of that comes into play when you are looking at which players to add to your squad.”

Holloway’s phone remains red hot as he continues to receive calls from managers and agents.

He said: “If I showed you my briefcase, you’d see it is full of DVDs I’ve received from all these brand new friends I’ve got from all round the world!

“They are agents who suddenly think I’ve got some money and are telling me their players are the best in the world.

“One of the videos was taken on a mobile phone of this player who had massive strapping on his knee.

“My son was laughing so hard as we watched that he nearly fell off the sofa. I threw that one in the bin.

“I’m going to have to deal with these things but we won’t rush.

“We will make calculated, considered additions to our squad.

“First I need to sort out my main squad and how we’re going to reward them. Nothing else matters at the moment.”