Chissie’s Chat: September

Blackpool Vital are thrilled to introduce BBC Radio Lancashire commentator and seaside legend, Ian Chisnall as he writes about the remainder of September for Blackpool FC in his first article for the site.

September leaves us with only half a month of fixtures, but what a daunting prospect they leave us facing. Time, I think, to remind you of my last words on air from that memorable May afternoon at Wembley?’It’s a magnificent achievement to get promotion but it would be an even bigger one if we could survive at Championship level’ and good start or not, I still firmly believe that, so I’m looking for the lads to ram those words firmly down my neck. It was a massive win against Hull, but how many more points can we realistically expect from September?

Burnley away for starters? when do we ever do well against the Clarets? Steve Cotterill is a shrewd operator, has bought well and for the first time during his stay at the Turf, there’s strength in depth. If Pool can keep their strikers in check, we always look as though there’s a goal in us. I’d take a draw now and leave town smiling.
Then it’s back to Bloomfield for 3 home games on the bounce.

Sheffield Utd, with their new £6million pound strike force (and that’s before you get to quality like Danny Webber!) are next up. Worryingly, the Blades have yet to click into gear so let’s hope it’s not on September 18th. For what it’s worth, I’ve backed Bryan Robson’s boys in my pre-season yankee of league winners. Our lads are going to need us all as ’12th’ man if we’re to retain that oh-so-important unbeaten home record.

On paper, Colchester presents us the best chance of a Seasiders victory, as the month takes its course. But how many teams thought that to their cost last season? The ‘U’s’ are Larry’s role model team – spent very little and still finished in the top half of the division – but we’ve got to beat teams like these if we’re to get past 53 points.

Next, the return of a hero as Peter Clarke hits town with Southend in the Carling Cup. For me, these are stress free fixtures and if its anything like as enjoyable as Derby in the last round, we’re all in for a treat. I know Clarkie’s heart still lies at Bloomers, but he’ll be all out to lower the Tangerine flag for one night at least. A home win and hope to pull a big fish in the draw.

Finally, a trip to Watford against one of the best organised units in the league for the ‘Pool. Anything out of it I’d be glad of – but I fear this might be one of the more difficult afternoons. They too have a £3million pound hit man in Nathan Ellington and it might be worth remembering Mr. Grayson’s words after the defeat at Wolves? ‘We were great but got done by an expensive striker miles out of our league’ There might be a lot of that about before May.

Stay right behind the lads!

Chissie