Matt Gilks' number one ambition for Premier League: Tenth anniversary of Blackpool's historic 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, one player was wary about losing his starting spot...

Matt Gilks admits he’s fearful about the prospect of losing his place in the Seasiders’ Premier League starting line-up.

Gilks, who turned 28 today, nailed down the number one spot in the second half of last season, keeping Paul Rachubka out of the team.

But with the Seasiders winning promotion and boss Ian Holloway set to strengthen the squad, the keeper has no idea whether he’ll be between the posts in August.

“I am excited about next season – how could I not be? – but I can’t help but think will I play, will I not?” said Gilks. “As a player you’re always worried about things like that – will the manager get someone else in?

“I hope I’ll get a chance so I have to show what I can do again. There are a group of people at this club aiming to do the same.

“There is a spirit at this club which everybody talks about. We have to take that into next season and show no fear. I hope the manager sticks by us and gives us a chance.

“Everybody wants to play in the Premier League. It is where all the best clubs ply their trade and it is the pinnacle of any footballer’s career.

“I want to turn out every week playing in a Premier League team but it’s up to me to make sure that happens. You have to prove you’re good enough.”

Gilks is enjoying a well deserved close-season break but is well aware that Blackpool fans are still in seventh heaven about the club’s rise to the top flight.

“I’ve got family who live in Blackpool and a couple more in Cleveleys, so they’ve been telling me what it’s been like in the town,” he said.

“They say people have told them they have been getting out of bed happier for the last few weeks and that’s great to know. It’s not just the football club that has got a boost – it is the town itself and it’s long overdue.

“After missing out on the casino bid, it has given everyone a lift throughout the area.

“It is good knowing I was part of something which has made a lot of people in the town feel so much better.”

Though ecstatic at promotion, Gilks says he doesn’t have particularly fond memories of Wembley. “I didn’t really enjoy the game. The heat took it out of me in the first half and it really drained me,” he added.

“But then again to play in front of 82,000 people... it wasn’t a dream. I’ll be able to show my kids the matchday programme and watch the game with them on DVD.”

“No-one will ever be able to take that away from me.”