Blackpool set to land Europa League spot via Fair Play League

22 May 2011 19:20
ShareBlackpool are now in contention for European football next season despite being relegated from the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.[LNB] Ian Holloway's side went down 4-2 at Manchester United to end their brief spell in the top flight of English football. [LNB] Going down: Blackpool were relegated from the Premier League after losing at Old Trafford [LNB]But the Tangerines could feature in the Europa League next year following reports they have finished top of the Premier League's Fair Play table. [LNB]Blackpool would join Birmingham, who were also relegated after losing 2-1 at Tottenham, as the second team from the Championship in Europe next term. [LNB]Heading into the final round of matches Fulham looked set to top the table. But Zoltan Gera's sending off now appears to have handed Blackpool a ticket to Europe. [LNB] Blackpool rock: Despite being relegated, the Tangerines are heading towards Europa League football next season [LNB]Manager Ian Holloway however, appeared non-plussed on the idea of European football next term.[LNB]'If this Europe thing does happen then all I'll be thinking about is how short our summer is going to be because the qualifying stages for the Europa League begin at the start of July,' the Blackpool boss said last month. [LNB]'The season doesn't end until 22nd May so we will get about a month off, tops. When you consider we didn't really have much of a break last year because of the play-offs that really isn't good.' [LNB]Blackpool's fate won't be known until Thursday, when UEFA release the final Fair Play League standings. [LNB] [LNB]  The agony and the ecstasy: Blackpool and Birmingham down as Wolves, Wigan and Blackburn party on Survival SundayLIVE: All the final day action on Survival Sunday as it happened Play fair for a shot at Europa League: Fulham set for a good guys' prizeManchester United 4 Blackpool 2: Seasiders' great escape scuppered despite Old Trafford heroicsBlackpool FC news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Ian Holloway Places: Birmingham, Europe

Source: Daily_Mail