Premier League countdown - Blackpool

19 July 2010 09:16

Football.co.uk begins a team-by-team countdown to the 2010/11 Premier League season with a look at new boys Blackpool

Last season - Championship play-off winners

Blackpool returned to the top flight for the first time since 1971 with a thrilling 3-2 win against Cardiff City at Wembley.

Ian Holloway's team scraped into the play-offs in sixth place, but a 6-4 aggregate defeat of Nottingham Forest sent them into the final.

Short on high-profile names, but high on spirit and with a fine team ethic, Blackpool were praised for their ambitious attacking football under Holloway, and it will be intriguing to see if their charismatic manager follows the same approach in the Premier League.

- Blackpool fixtures 2010/11

In – None

Out – Daniel Nardiello, Joe Martin, Alhassan Bangura, Hameur Bouazza, Danny Mitchley, Ben Burgess (All free transfers)

Player to watch – Charlie Adam

Adam arrived on loan from Rangers, before becoming the club's record signing in August 2009. The midfielder has more than repaid the £500,000 fee, and was an integral part of their promotion-winning side last season - contributing goals from midfield and captaining the side in the play-off final.

Football.co.uk verdict

Unless Holloway gets very busy in the transfer market very soon, Blackpool will surely be heading straight back down. That's not to say they won't enjoy the ride, and don't be surprised if their gung-ho style produces some high-scoring entertainment home and away.

Prediction - 20th

Source: DSG