Source: PA
Holloway challenges league chiefs
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has challenged the Premier League to prove the side he fielded at Aston Villa last week was under-strength.
The league have written to the Seasiders asking them to explain their selection for the Villa Park contest. Holloway made 10 changes for the game eight days ago, which his side lost 3-2, and then changed the entire starting line-up for Saturday's draw at West Ham.
Wolves were hit with a £25,000 suspended fine after being found guilty of failing to field their strongest team and Blackpool could be charged with the same offence.
The Lancashire club will have seven days to respond to the letter and Holloway is planning a robust argument as he selected only from the 25-man squad he named earlier this season.
"I can explain every single decision I made and I can show them the facts," said Holloway at a press conference. "I would like them to try to prove to me how that is a weakened team.
"We picked a team to win and we lost 3-2 with the last kick of the game - I was absolutely devastated. The only stat that did not help was the fact we lost 3-2. The stats everywhere else suggest we more than had a good shout at this game. How dare anyone tell me that is my second string."
