Blackpool

Odds: 22/1

Last Five Seasons

2005/06 – 19 (League One), 2004/05 – 16 (League One), 2003/04 – 14 (League One), 2002/03 – 13 (League One), 2001/02 – 16 (League One).

2005/06 Cup Progress

FA Cup First Round vs Doncaster Rovers (a) – lost 4-1.

Carling Cup Second Round vs Leicester City (a) – lost 2-1.

Football League Trophy Northern Section Second Round vs Carlisle United (a) – lost 2-1.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Keigan Parker (striker) – 13 goals.

Players In

Paul Tierney (Livingston – Free), Michael Jackson (Tranmere Rovers – Free), Adrian Forbes (Swansea City – Free), Rhys Evans (Swindon Town – Free).

Players Out

Les Pogliacomi (Oldham Athletic – Free), Tony Butler (Forest Green Rovers – Free), Robert Edwards (Released), Stuart Anderson (Released), Matt Shaw (Released), Danny Warrender (Released), Matthew Kay (Released), Neil Wood (Released), Jason Wilcox (Released).

Blackpool were one of a number of clubs dragged into last season’s League One relegation battle but they managed to finish three points and two places above the bottom four.

It has been an intriguing summer at Bloomfield Road with the news that Latvian millionaire Valeri Belokon has concluded a deal to buy shares in the club. Belokon announced he would invest a substantial sum of money, believed to be £5 million into the League One strugglers. Belokon would like to be club president, with current chairman Karl Oyston remaining in his role. The Latvian’s other business interests include a bank, brewery, newspaper, television station, fish processing, a travel agency, the Baltic Institute of Strategic Studies and a golf school.

However, players coming in to the club have not been anywhere near as glamorous. Livingston left back Paul Tierney agreed a two year contract following his free transfer from the Scottish First Division side.

Former Crewe Alexandra centre back Michael Jackson arrived on a free transfer from Tranmere Rovers and returns to Lancashire following spells at Presto North End and Bury. Swansea City winger Adrian Forbes signed a two year contract following his release from the Liberty Stadium.

Highly rated goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi returned to Oldham Athletic after being released by Blackpool at the end of last season. The Tangerines have replaced him with Rhys Evans from Swindon Town and also have veteran Lee Jones to call upon.

Verdict

The bookmakers make Blackpool one of their top eight favourites to win the division next season. Who are they trying to kid? The club has slid down the division progressively over the last three seasons and they will be fortunate not to slip into the bottom four.

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