They had a point. Back in August, I wrote on these pages of how the Lancashire club was approaching its first Premier League campaign with all the self-confidence of a hippo on a high wire. 'Shambles' was one word I used to describe their behind-the-scenes preparations. Their chances of being anything other than humiliated were minimal I suggested.
As my bookmaker will cheerfully attest, this was typical of someone who is about as successful at forecasting as the Met Office. I was completely wrong on this.
That victory at Liverpool was Blackpool's third Premier League win on the road already. Whatever backroom problems the club had, the players have proved that spirit, endeavour and no little skill will get you a long way.
There may be issues ahead (if I had not patronised their supporters enough, I might suggest Blackpool are in for a roller-coaster season) but already Ian Holloway's men are in contention for the every award going as team of the year.
Ryders racing up final straight
No sooner had Tony McCoy, breaking records as often as he does bones, been installed as ante-post favourite for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, then along came Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy. G-Mac and Little Mac's spine-tingling performances at the Ryder Cup last weekend have suddenly given McCoy a somewhat more severe level of competition than he generally faces at Market Rasen.
It should be some race between now and December to see who picks up the gong. And one we can all enjoy. Just as long as the bandwagon developing behind Steve McClaren's return as England coach doesn't wholly undermine this Year of the Mac.
View the original article here
No comments:
Post a Comment