Blackpool Blog

On the pitch

A frustrating afternoon at the seaside yesterday as felllow strugglers Plymouth nicked the points thanks to an 85th minute header. The Seasiders never really got going and were hampered by injuries before the game to Alan Mahon and Wade Small, and during the game to DJ Campbell and Keith Southern. Lee Hughes on his debut came close to scoring in the second half but in truth Pool were lacklustre and lethargic at best.

Off the pitch

Two more key players have agreed new contracts at Bloomfield Road. Defender Ian Evatt and winger Gary Taylor-Fletcher have both signed new two yeard deals with options for a further season each with the club.

On the injury front Good news for Roy O`Donovan. The on-loan Sunderland winger is back in training and hopes to be fit for the final few matches of the season. O`Donovan had his appendix removed last month but is now back at Squires Gate and could be back in the first team squad soon.

Another legend passes away

Hughie Kelly played almost 500 games for the Seasiders spanning three decades at the seaside. Scotsman Kelly played in the 1948 and 1951 cup finals but sadly missed the 1953 triumph because of injury. Blackpool`s players wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the passing of another Bloomfield Road great. Hughie Kelly`s funeral takes place tomorrow at Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool.

Best thread on the forum

This week is again dominated by the sad loss of another Pool legend, Hughie Kelly. The message board has once more seen plenty of messages or support and memories of Kelly.

So five games remain and five points separate Blackpool from the dreaded drop zone. After yesterday’s dismal defeat you get the feeling we are heading for a final day showdown at Swansea to ensure our survival.

Th Easter weekend sees two massive games for Pool. The derby at Preston is followed by a tough home match with Reading on Easter Monday. We need two big performances to get anything from these two. Anything like yesterday and the pressure will be right on when we visit the Valley in two weeks time.