Blackpool v Burnley

Some of you will remember Neil Kinnock at an election rally in Sheffield entering the stage with some kind of rock God scream of ‘we’ll allllllll rrrriiiigght’. A kind of celebration of pending election victory. A few days later Margaret Thatch was back in Downing Street. With this in mind, Blackpool Vital are not going to high five and pronounce Championship safety after yesterday’s victory over Burnley; but hey as victories go, how important was that?

It seems a long time ago since we have looked at the league table and not being fretting over our Sunday breakfast. Blackpool’s performance was resolute. Another clean sheet, with MacKenzie and Broadfoot looking like they have partnered each other for years (is it me or was one part of the Burnley game plan to rile Macca? He kept getting clattered in the face?) The Paul Ince ‘clean sheet mentality’ is working. Also, slowly but surely, the nerves seem to be lifting, confidence growing. Hopefully the remaining fixtures will be played with less inhibitions and edginess.

Blackpool started well, creating chances, building with purpose, the one obvious missing is still someone in the box to poach/snatch/pounce. Cliche time folks but how many would DJ have had yesterday?

We are starting to see the blossoming of Ludo Sylvestre, a player Ian Holloway was going to build a team around. His second goal in two games. And what a goal.

Reflecting back, Blackpool seemed to have no fear of Burnley. They knew how they would play and had planned for it. The short corners, the role of Austin, all had clearly been drilled on the training ground.

What is to me evident, is Paul Ince is no panic merchant. It would have been easy to come in, bemoan the set up (a la Appleton), throw the kitchen sink at it and hope for the best. But he has been calm, explaining in interviews what is happening, working on the shape, tactics and resolutely making sure the business is done first and foremost. Survival.

Hopefully, that task is nearly done and with it becomes the planning for next season. Players out of contract, lower wages budget. But on the upside, hopefully the coaching team should then be in place (Sbragia will have completed his Scotland under 19 commitments after the forthcoming tournament).

And so, back to Sheffield. Kinnock’s undoing. But Sheffield on Tuesday could be the confirmation we need of survival. If we do, would it not be great to, with the weight lifted to go on a run, chase a top 6 place? I know, I know, I am in danger of screaming ‘all
Rrrriiiiggght’ too. Let us, as Paul Ince is doing, get the job done first.