It has been a busy week for Holloway, who has drafted in six new players, and the Seasiders boss will be hoping and praying he can put together a side capable of competing in the top flight.

Holloway worked miracles last season as the Seasiders won promotion from the Championship via the play-offs but this challenge is even bigger and they face a huge battle to beat the drop.

Blackpool fans could only dream of the Premier League this time last year but now they have made it, Holloway is determined to keep them there. It is an experience that should be enjoyed but Holloway says Blackpool are not there to make the numbers up and he wants a side that can compete.

Holloway has had his difficulties in the transfer market as well as he has struggled to match the kind of wages other clubs pay but at least he has got some bodies in this week and in Basham he has landed a very highly-rated young midfielder.

Basham may have struggled for a game at the Reebok Stadium but was being kept out of the side by Engalnd under-21 star Fabrice Muamba and Trotters boss Owen Coyle felt it was only fair to let him move on.

“Chris is a great lad but unfortunately there is plenty of competition here in the position that he plays,” Coyle revealed. “As a young, enthusiastic player making his way in the game then it wouldn’t have been fair for us to keep him as he wouldn’t have got as many chances to play as he would have liked.

“I wish him nothing but good luck at Blackpool because it is a fantastic opportunity for him to play in the Premier League.”

Craig Cathcart, Ludovic Sylvestre, Elliot Grandin, Malaury Martin and Marlon Harewood have also arrived this week and could all figure against Wigan at the DW Stadium tomorrow.

Every game in the Premier League is going to be tough but Holloway will feel they have a chance of taking something from a Wigan side, who could also be facing a battle to beat the drop.

The Seasiders are 3/1 to win at Wigan, who are the 5/6 favourites, while the draw is 5/2. Holloway would undoubtedly want to take something from the game as next up will be a trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal.

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