Blackpool are still the favourites to be relegated but boss Ian Holloway believes his side have a great “work ethic” and hailed their effort following the spectacular opening-day 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium (Blackpool 1/3 to be relegated).
Holloway had struggled in the transfer market until last weekend, with the Seasiders boss failing in moves for Angel Rangel and Jon Stead amongst others. However, Holloway has now enjoyed some success in bringing in new faces and has captured Chris Basham, Craig Cathcart, Marlon Harweood, Elliot Grandin, Ludovic Sylvestre and Malaury Martin.
Harewood only joined the Seasiders on Wednesday but was thrown straight into the action at Wigan and repaid his boss’ faith by bagging a brace as Blackpool got off to a fantastic start in their first season in the top flight in 40 years.
The Blackpool boss admits he didn’t expect such a comprehensive victory against Latics and praised his side’s work ethic.
“I don’t think any of us in our wildest dreams believed that we could come here and do that,” he told Sky Sports. “But there was a spell in the first half where, had they [Wigan] scored, I don’t know what my lads’ belief would have been like.”
Holloway is aware the hard work must continue if Blackpool are to upset the odds and retain their place in the Premier League but he insists he does not focus on what other people outside the club are saying.
He added: “If you listen to other people’s verdict on us, they suggest that we’re not going to do very well, but I don’t read too much into that.
“We’ve a great group of lads, we’re going to work hard for each other and we’ve had a great day today.”
The Seasiders face a trip to The Emirates Stadium next week to take on title contenders Arsenal, who will surely provide a bigger test than Wigan, who should be concerned about their own chances of survival after their dreadful display against Blackpool (Wigan 5/4 to be relegated).
West Brom, who were promoted along with Blackpool last season, endured a difficult start to life back in the Premier League as they suffered a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of reigning champions and title favourites Chelsea, while Newcastle, who finished top of the Championship, travel to Old Trafford on Monday to open their Premier League campaign at Manchester United (Match Betting – Manchester United 2/9, draw 5/1, Newcastle 12/1).
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Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has dismissed speculation he walked out on the Seasiders over a contract dispute as “as ludicrous as it gets” (Blackpool 2/7f to be relegated).