Gaffer’s Gabber

The first half was the most disappointing in some time at Bloomfield Road and Grayson pointed out that it was indeed a game of two halves.

“It was very definitely a game of two halves. The result says that and the goals in each half show that. I thought first half we were just off it. To be fair to them [Northampton] they played well and their shape caused us a few problems. We knew at half time we would still get chances. We had to alter the shape of the team and that’s what I did, matching them up in midfield, and the result showed we did the right thing – it was a great result for us.”

Grayson certainly did make all the right decisions at half time, substituting the disappointing – that’s being kind! – Adrian Forbes and replacing him with Chris Brandon – who came out of the traps like he had a firework up his backside!!

“I felt we had to do something about it at half-time because they were doing too well against us. So I went with Chris Brandon as a wing-back, with Wes more into the game behind our front two. First half we probably went a little bit too long. They are a big, strong team and we played straight into their hands playing that way. So we wanted to get the ball down and get Wes into little pockets and Brandon the same – get into areas and hurt people. And that’s what they did – both contributing brilliantly in the second half.”

Few in the ground could have expected – never mind hoped – for 3 goals in 12 minutes during the second half of the game, but that’s exactly what happened, sending the Tangerine faithful – in full colour thanks to the fantastic weather – into raptures, singing and dancing so much that the celebrations could be heard back in Layton!

“It was obviously great to get three goals in 12 minutes but, after the first half performance I didn’t see it coming. There weren’t harsh words at half-time. We had to be constructive and give them the belief. I told them we were a good team and that we can be a lot better. I told them to get the ball down and play and that the chances would come. All they had to do is believe in themselves that they could win this game.”

It’s always good to see that a manager doesn’t blow his top and give his players the hair drier treatment and lets face it, his words worked wonders as the side came out of the traps – as is a habit with ‘Pool this season – raring to go in the second half. It is also good to note that the players didn’t let their heads go down, picked themselves up and actually believed they could win the game – the stuff Champions are made of? We may very well see on 27th May this year!

“Goals do change games and the first goal is very important. Prior to this game we’d only won once this season when we’d gone behind. So to come back from a goal down and turn it around shows the character and desire to succeed of these lads.”

Once again, desire is the driving force behind a successful team – and Simon Grayson has built this team in less than a year lets not forget. Should Blackpool make it to Wembley – who would bet against them on recent form?? – then it is this character and desire to win that could make the difference between reaching The Championship and staying in League One for another season.

As the song by Wishbone Ash goes, “Wings of desire will carry us to where we want to be.”. Apply that to the ‘Pool…and they really could be soaring out of the division after so many years of disappointment.