Four Thoughts on Blackpool 2-2 Watford

For the third successive league match under new manager Michael Appleton, Blackpool had to come from behind to earn a draw. Watford took an early two goal advantage but an improved second half meant the hosts took a deserved point. Here are my thoughts on the game:

Blackpool 2-2 Bolton Wanderers - Match Report Word Cloud

For those who are unfamiliar with how this works, the following is a word cloud based on match reports from the BBC and Blackpool's official website, displaying words in different sizes according to their frequency. The word cloud has been created using wordle.net.

Click to enlarge

Four Thoughts on Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Blackpool

Bouncing back from recent disappointment, both on and off the pitch, Blackpool ran out worthy winners on Tuesday night at Hillsborough to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0. Here are my thoughts on the match:

Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Blackpool - Match Report Word Cloud

For those who are unfamiliar with how this works, the following is a word cloud based on match reports from the BBC and Blackpool's official website, displaying words in different sizes according to their frequency. The word cloud has been created using wordle.net.

Click to enlarge

The Holloway Years: The Seasons

Ian Holloway oversaw a hugely successful period during his time as manager, leading Blackpool to their highest league position in a generation. Each season had its ups and downs and was never less than entertaining. An series of posts analysing Holloway's tenure begins with a summary of each of his seasons in charge:

Four Thoughts on Derby County 4-1 Blackpool

Following the departure of Ian Holloway, it fell to Steve Thompson to assume temporary control of Blackpool for their trip to Pride Park. Derby County fully exploited the disarray the visitors found themselves in to seal a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Derby County 4-1 Blackpool - Match Report Word Cloud

For those who are unfamiliar with how this works, the following is a word cloud based on match reports from the BBC and Blackpool's official website, displaying words in different sizes according to their frequency. The word cloud has been created using wordle.net.

Click to enlarge

Why Ian Holloway's departure was inevitable

So, it's finally happened. Ian Holloway has left Bloomfield Road after three and a bit seasons in charge to take up the managerial position at Crystal Palace. The rumour mill had been in overdrive for a couple of weeks and it comes as no surprise that Holloway has eventually decided it's time to move on. When linked to the Burnley job, prior to Sean Dyche's appointment at Turf Moor, I wrote a piece for No Nay Never about what might be motivating Holloway to seek a potential exit - I'd like to expand on some of the points raised there to establish some background as to why today's events have come to pass.