Thursday May 24 2007 13:22
Blackpool manager Simon Grayson is ready to make some tough calls as he ponders his side to take on Yeovil Town in Saturday's play-off final.
The Seasiders chief has hinted he will keep faith with the majority of the starting 11 who sealed their place in the play-offs after embarking on a seven-match winning run.
Blackpool have now won nine games in a row - following their double semi-final success over Oldham - and Grayson has admitted he will disappoint some fringe members of his squad hoping to play in the Wembley showpiece.
"Telling a player they are not involved is never nice. But it's made even worse this weekend because of the occasion - it's a major final," he told the Blackpool Gazette.
"However, it comes with the territory. It's the same when you're releasing young lads. It's not easy, it's not pleasant but you have to do it.
"I've had to toughen up since I became a manager. I've still got a soft side I suppose but you have to be hard and decisive.
"Given half an opportunity, people will try and test you and I've had to make a lot of tough decisions, starting last year when I had to release lads like Jason Wilcox and Rob Edwards.
"No matter if they're friends, as a manager of a football club you are there to do your best for the club.
"Even if it's a harsh decision, if it's in the best interests of the club it has to be done."
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