Holloway has no regrets over Blackpool cup exit

26 August 2010 16:00

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has made no apologies for fielding a weakened side in the Carling Cup.

The Premier League newcomers went out of the competition in the second round to MK Dons, two divisions below them. Holloway did not attend the match and went to Scunthorpe's tie against Sheffield Wednesday instead, with reports linking him to visiting striker Marcus Tudgay.

Holloway, who refused to comment on the speculation, said: "With the greatest respect to MK Dons, the team I put out there, the players needed a game."

He added: "That game has gone and were are out of the cup. Was I bothered? No. That was the strongest team I could risk after last Saturday and what I have got this Saturday.

"My priority is to bring enough players here to give us half a chance to get enough points by January so we don't go mad in the market again and we keep our Premier League status. That is what it is all about."

Next up after the 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal are Fulham at the new revamped Bloomfield Road.

While Holloway is excited about the forthcoming game and strengthening his squad by the end of the window he is concerned about player power.

He said: "I was outspoken at the managers' meeting and will probably never be invited again but I believe the Bosman ruling is totally wrong. It gives power to agents, not the club.

"Say you have developed a player for four or five years and he runs out of contract. If you offer him the same contract at least you should hold his registration.

"You should have the power, not the player. But now if he is 24 he can walk out of the club for nothing. It breeds disloyalty."

Source: PA