Football Season Review

Blackpool agonisingly missed out on promotion back to the Premier League, losing the play-off final 2-1 to West Ham United despite having the better of the play. In that final, they really failed to take their chances but Ian Holloway can be pleased with the way his side battled their way to within sight of the top flight. Their manager had admitted he had lost his enthusiasm for the job but soon regained it, playing an unusual attacking style. Matty Phillips and Kevin Phillips both did their jobs but it was on-loan Stephen Dobbie who was the late season talisman, so nearly achieving his third promotion in three years after steering the Seasiders to the Premier League two years previously. Thomas Ince was also a standout player and he scored in the Wembley final. Blackpool were bold and brave and that was when they were at their best. It tended to be when they played a more defensive style that they faltered. Much will depend next season on whether they can hold on to their manager. Holloway may feel he has taken the club as far as he can and there will be plenty of other clubs looking to snatch him.

Player of the Season: Tom Ince