Blackpool FC:- An oppositions view

Last updated : 19 May 2005 By Rob Davies
Name: Mark Orr
Website: www.seasiders.net

How long have you supported Blackpool for?

Being quite a young lad, this is my tenth year supporting the lads.

You've now had 2 mediocre seasons running, is there a reason you can put this down to?

The fact we are going to finish mid-table again this season is something that is annoying a number of fans, as we certainly have a squad capable of pushing for the play-off's, especially in what I believe to be a weak second division this season. The reason we are not in the top six, however, is simple inconsistency. Over a league season we cannot string unbeaten runs together, despite performing well in the cup competitions.


You managed to beat us 2-1 in the club's earlier game this season, what were your thoughts about Notts in that game?

I thought you battled well, while perhaps lacking a potent strike force, although Mark Stallard and Clive Platt have left you since then. It was certainly not one of our more comfortable wins (not that we've had that many this season) although I do recall Notts' penalty being a touch controversial.

Did your recent LDV success mean a lot to you?

Although a number of clubs don't take the competition seriously, certainly in the first few rounds, no-one can deny what a day out in Cardiff means to a second division side like ours. We have been lucky enough to do it three times in four years and to see your team win on each occasion is a superb feeling as well as giving a buzz around the club. Although Sheffield Wednesday may have joked about the competition before the start of the season, I can assure you they were disappointed when we beat them in the Northern final.

Do you have any pre-conceptions of Notts County?

For me, Notts are what you might call a 'sleeping giant', a club, like ourselves, that are currently far from re-living past glories. Again fighting against relegation this season, it has been a difficult few years - but the bottom four is far from being decided yet.

You currently have 2 ex Notts loanees in your side, Simon Grayson & Leam Richardson, how are they doing?

Both right-backs, 'Larry' (Grayson) and Leam have both been in and out of our team all season. It does, however, look likely that Grayson will be released come the summer, although his reading of the game is good he simply does not have the pace that is required at this level.

Scott Taylor
Give us some thoughts on your current playing squad.

As we have said for a couple of years now, we are just a couple of players short. With thirteen out of contract in the summer, manager Steve McMahon will have the opportunity to keep and let go who he wants, so in that respect there are no excuses for another mediocre campaign next season.

Which players should we look out for in your side?

With 27-goal Scott Taylor out since February, we will look to captain Richie Wellens to pull the strings in midfield. A box-to-box player, Wellens also has the ability to pick a match-winning pass and has been in stunning form for most of this season.

What advice would you give the current manager?

How about sending your son out on loan next season, Macca? It'll do the boy good!

And are you happy with your current manager?

How long have you got?! This has been debated time and time again since January's resignation debacle, where Macca handed his notice in to the board, only to interrupt a press conference to say he was staying after all. From a personal point of view, I am happy he is still with us but there is certainly a difference of opinion between supporters.

Where will you finish come May?

Hopefully in the top ten, beating last years points total of 58.

Score Prediction for Saturday?

With Notts desperate for points it will certainly be a difficult game for us, and if we don't turn up we will be beaten comfortably. Hopefully we will perform though, so I will go for 2-1 to Blackpool.

Mark's website, run on the Footy MAD logo, is www.seasiders.net .