…And then there were twenty. Blackpool’s dramatic Wembley win over Cardiff this afternoon now finalises the line up for next season’s Premier League, as they join Newcastle and West Brom in gaining promotion from the Championship.
Without doubt, it’s the proverbial “fairytale” ending to the season for a team many had marked down as relegation candidates at the start of the 2009-10 campaign.
In what was the hottest day of the year so far, the seasiders edged out Cardiff City 3-2 to take their place in the top-flight for the first time since 1971. Much of the credit must go to their charismatic manager Ian Holloway, whose attack-minded policy has paid dividends in spectacular style today.
Clearly, the Premier League will be a much more colourful place with the eccentric Bristolian involved; who else in football could you possibly imagine explaining a tactical game plan with the use of teddy bears?
As we all sun ourselves -it’s even shining in Scotland!!- in preparation for tonight’s Champions League final, here’s some more samples of the wit and wisdom of Ian Holloway.
It’ll be a tough task for Blackpool to keep themselves in next season’s top flight, but let’s not throw a wet blanket over the celebrations just yet. For today, it’s suffice to say: Congratulations, and welcome to the Premier League Blackpool.