2011/12 Season Preview: Blackpool

Today we at VitalWatford inspect the Tangerines of Blackpool ahead of the 2011/12 season...

Gaffer: The ever-value-for-money, Ian Holloway. Mr rent-a-quote himself failed in doing what the nation willed him to do last season in keeping the Tangerines up, but was rightfully under no pressure having come close to securing a second season of top-flight football.

Position 10/11: 19th RELEGATED, but gallantly so.

In: Kevin Phillips, Matt Hill and Bojan Djordjic (all free transfers).

Out: Charlie Adam (Liverpool, £6.5m), David Vaughan (Sunderland, free), Paul Rachubka, Richard Kingson, Rob Edwards, David Carney, Marlon Harewood, Danny Coid, Andy Reid, Ishmel Demontagnac, Jason Euell, Malaury Martin, Salaheddine Sbai (all released).

Star Man: Tricky winger Matt Phillips impressed during his Premier League cameo's and will be looking for a regular first-team spot this season having signed from Wycombe Wanderers last summer.

Pacey and direct, Phillips scored once in the league from six starts and 21 sub appearances last season.

Best Business: The figure received for skipper Charlie Adam - somewhere between £6m-£9m for a good, if not slightly over-hyped player. That kind of money will really help Blackpool immensely.

Prediction: One of many teams that will be hoping to finish in the top six, I expect Blackpool to fall short having ridden on a crest of hype to win promotion before flailing in the second half of last season. Dark horses nonetheless.