Uncertain future for some of Blackpool's promotion-winning squad: Tenth anniversary of Seasiders' rise to the Premier League

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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Play-off glory beat winning the FA Cup for Brett Ormerod

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, two players’ futures were going to be the subject of discussion...

Ben Burgess was set to be released after Blackpool's glorious campaignBen Burgess was set to be released after Blackpool's glorious campaign
Ben Burgess was set to be released after Blackpool's glorious campaign
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Ben Burgess told The Gazette that he would love to stay at Bloomfield Road and is looking forward to further talks with Ian Holloway about his future, despite being named on the Seasiders’ released list.

Rob Edwards and Hameur Bouazza are also on the list.

But while Algeria international Bouazza has paid the price for a bizarre last couple of months, during which he has been a noticeable absentee from the training ground with a mysterious groin problem, it’s clear that Burgess and Edwards mean more to the manager.

Despite deciding against taking up the option of the extra year in both players’ contracts, Holloway said he wanted the pair to stay and would hold talks with them in the next fortnight.

The manager admires both men greatly and is aware of their influence and popularity in the dressing room.

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He does not want to risk ruining the team spirit which has played such a huge part in Pool’s success over the last three years.

Burgess and Edwards are now free to talk to other clubs but Holloway has spoken to both and asked if they would consider a new deal.

Holloway said: “I have had a chat with Ben and Rob and explained our situation. We have decided not to take the option for a further year but that does not mean we don’t want them.

“I have told them that in the coming weeks I will sit down with them and go through a few things for next season, and if we can work something out I will be delighted.

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“They are two cracking people who have nothing but a positive influence around the place.”

Edwards is on his stag party in Las Vegas with several Pool teammates.

But Burgess, who scored eight goals last season, said: “I had a chat with the gaffer on Tuesday. He explained things and said we would meet again.

“I am definitely keen to speak about it in the next couple of weeks. Of course I want to stay at Blackpool because I’ve been here since the promotion season from League One and the club means a lot to me. Hopefully we can sort something out.”

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Holloway has activated the option of a further year on Matt Gilks, David Vaughan, Mark Halstead, Ashley Eastham and Ishmel Demontagnac.

Club captain Jason Euell is also staying. He completed enough games earlier in the season to trigger a clause in his contract securing another year.

The same applies to Stephen Crainey and Brett Ormerod.

“I’ve got another year on my deal and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Ormerod, who finished second top scorer with 13 goals and shows no signs of slowing, even though he turns 34 in October.

“I’d have said you were mad if you told me at the start of the season we would end up in the Premier League.

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“But we’ve been playing exciting football and the lads are willing to run through brick walls for the manager.

“Economically it’s fantastic for the town. Now everyone is just looking forward to seeing when the big teams are coming to Bloomfield Road.

“I’m delighted I’ll still be here and hopefully I’ll play in the top flight again.”

Ormerod is on course to become the only Blackpool player to play in all four divisions, though Danny Coid has a year left on his contract and could join him.

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Those who won’t feature in the Seasiders’ first-ever Premier League campaign are Daniel Nardiello, Al Bangura, Danny Mitchley and Joe Martin.

They have been given free transfers, though Holloway has wished them well.

“They have all played their part,” acknowledged Holloway.

“Nardiello put the cross over to Brett to score the winner against Watford.

“Al did well in the Carling Cup games and made some great challenges in the league games he was involved in.

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“Joe deputised for Crainey on a number of occasions and he never let us down, while Danny Mitchley has trained hard, listened and developed and has been a good guy around the dressing room.”

As for Bouazza, Holloway said: “He scored against Peterborough at home and produced a number of crosses in the matches he played.”

The manager added: “I am sure all the released lads will be disappointed but I can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

“I am sure they will get fixed up with another club and I will be watching to see how they progress.”