Ebanks-Blake Link Resurfaces

The Daily Mail are this evening reporting that Blackpool are mulling over a bid for Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Blake, 24, scored just twice for Wolves last season, but has worked with ‘Pool manager Ian Holloway previously at Plymouth, and, according to the Mail, Ollie believes that he is the man to help the player get his goalscoring mojo back.

Meanwhile, Steve Coppell, speaking to the Bristol City official website this evening, has defended his decision to play Blackpool in City’s only home pre-season fixture this summer.

Robins fans have been complaining that the Seasiders do not live up to the visit of Ajax last summer, and that they’re all too familiar with Ian Holloway’s men.

However, Coppell said:

‘We had a number of foreign teams put to us but in the past I’ve found them difficult because they often throw up different styles and the opposition players are normally at a different stage in their fitness preparations.

‘I’m sure Ajax were a terrific draw and the Bristol public probably saw a masterclass from them. However, does it represent what you are going to face in October or February? No, probably not.

‘Playing Blackpool is ideal because they’ll bring an English mentality and they are a team who were at the top of the Championship last year.

‘They’ve become the role model for many clubs at this level, probably for many years to come. They won promotion on the back of hard work, committment and ability.

‘I thank Ian Holloway personally for his willingness to bring his team here.

‘For us to play them leading into a 46 game season, I can honestly think of no better opposition.’