Part One Starts Sunday, It Feels Like 2001

Back in March I wrote an article about the possible parallels between this season and 2001.

In both seasons, the ‘Pool fans have moved into new homes behind different goals. And could it be that the Seasiders gain promotion in both campaigns too?

Click here to read that article, focussing on Brett Ormerod’s impact on both seasons and what fate could hold in store for Ian Holloway and his team. (Open in a new tab though please, I don’t want you going anywhere for long!)

Today Ormerod himself spoke about the 2001 campaign and he could be the first Blackpool player to play for the club in each of the four top divisions.

‘It would be so good to finish my career having played and scored for ‘Pool in all four divisions. I don’t think even Jimmy Armfield did that!’ said the right winger.

I caught up with Brett last week before the Peterborough game and although everything is strictly professional, you do get a sense that there is raw excitement bubbling under the surface of these players.

And as I said last month, it could be someone like an Ormerod or even a Southern who emerges as the hero on Sunday as the club prepare themselves for the biggest game and home gate in 32 years.

Over 12,000 fans are expected to pack into Bloomfield Road on Sunday and a win against Bristol City would confirm a place in the end of season lottery of the playoffs.

If a goal or a decisive moment comes from someone like the two mentioned, it would just typify the Blackpool spirit and what the club as a whole is all about. These two know what the town as well as the team is about, and there is a real feeling of togetherness in the camp.

That togetherness and spirit within the nucleus of the squad is what’s helped the Tangerines through the campaign and what fuels the belief that they could actually make history.

The team are always against the odds. It’s only natural, we’re ‘little’ Blackpool.

The frustration about the country’s perception of us is there for all to see. Just take Ian Evatt’s interview with the Gazette this week; when asked about Sky he just looked uncomfortable and disappointed with the lack of coverage of ‘Pool this season, despite being at the top end of the division throughout.

Steve McMahon’s team came from the dead in 2001 to win promotion via the playoffs. Will Ian Holloway’s men rise against the British media to secure a historic promotion in 2010?

Part one starts Sunday.