It was an 'interesting' campaign to say the least for Blackpool last year, culminating in a not too unsurprising relegation, we spoke to fans Lee and Joe about their chances for the new season.
HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?
Terribly! It started off badly and never improved. There were constant issues between the original manager appointed last summer (Jose Riga) and the Chairman even before a ball was even kicked. We managed to play two friendlies and started the season with 15 registered players. The chairman approached (and was turned down by) another manager whilst Riga was still in a job then he carried on like it hadn't happened. He eventually sacked him and replaced him with the hapless Lee Clark. We were then relegated with a joint-record low number of points and didn't even manage to finish the season properly. There can't have been a worse season on record!
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Not really. They're all pretty much untried at the level we will be playing at and although some of them could potentially be exciting signings, the squad has minimal experience.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
Our defence looks flimsy, to say the least. Lloyd Jones (on loan from Liverpool) and Emerson Boyce may well strike up a reasonable pairing at centre back but past them there is no quality. We look lightweight up front and although new-signings Cullen and Redshaw have scored a few goals in League 2, they won't find it as easy in League 1.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I should say the local Derby with Fleetwood Town, but I fear they'd comprehensively beat us! There are a lot of local away days to look forward to, which is a good thing as a lot of fans (myself included) have adopted a 'Not A Penny More' boycott of the club, whereby we will no longer buy tickets or merchandise from the club. Away days only for a lot of us now.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
Sheffield United, Wigan and Peterbrough would be my tips. Nigel Adkins has a pedigree for getting teams promoted out of this league (Scunthorpe twice and Southampton) and they're a massive club. They shouldn't even be in this league. Wigan will have a large budget and have made some shrewd signings too and Peterbrough are an exciting young team that will entertain people with goals.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
It looks as though Colin Doyle will be starting the season as first choice goalkeeper so will inevitably end up with a lot of work to do and thus win a few plaudits. Brad Potts from Carlisle arrives with some promise but I think Lloyd Jones will be a stand out performer. He is on a season long loan from Liverpool where he was the Under 21 captain, which is some achievement. From what I've seen of him in tangerine, he is a natural leader and has fantastic positional sense. It remains to be seen whether he will ever make the grade at Liverpool but it will be an excellent experience for him.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
I fear another season of relegation struggle amid a backdrop of discontent between fans and the chairman. We saw how Yeovil fell straight through the division last year so avoiding that will be enough of an achievement for most.
And up next Joe.
HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?
Couldn't have gone any worse unless we were liquidated. Zero perpetration. 8 players 2 weeks before the start of the season, players not registered in time for the opening day, kids making up the bench, heavy defeats left right & centre, protests on and off the pitch & a record points low. Awful, but predictable. Minimal investment from owners since relegation from the top flight.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
We've signed young, up & coming players from league 2 mainly. Redshaw and Cullen scored goals for Morecambe & Luton. Can they do it at a higher level? Who knows. Potts from Carlise was highly rated, but again, young and inexperienced. Only player over the age of 25 we've signed is Emerson Boyce. I can't comment on players I've never seen plays so it remains to be see if we've recruited well.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
Chairmanship the main area. Defence lacking experience bar Boyce. League 1 is a very physical league and I'm worried our kids will get bullied. Could also do with another striker. Redshaw and Cullen currently the only 2 on the books, and god knows what's happening with Ranger.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
No. Not really. I live in Rotherham, so Barnsley away as I only have to get the bus! Dreading this season.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
On paper Sheff United look strong. I expect Wigan and Swindon to be up there. Dark horses could be Scunthorpe who've bought well.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
Bottom 4. Squad too small and too young for the hustle and bustle of league 1 football.
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