FM2005: Seasiders Season III

[MikeVick7]

Welcome to the 2006-2007 season of the Blackpool Seasiders. Last season was our first in the Championship League and well...it was a struggle...but we met out goal which was to not get relegated. So now that we're back in the Championship League for the second season...hopefully we'll be a bit better.

I'm picking up the dynasty on August 1st. The friendlies have been played and we're now five days away from our first match of the season. The previous two seasons can be accessed from the links below.

Enjoy.

Seasiders Seaon I
Seasiders Season II

August 2006

Team Capsule
League Position:	Championship League
Record:	0-0-0
Active Tournament(s):	None
Wage Total:	$65,507
Wage Budget:	$78,000
Transfer Budget Available	$910,416
Transfer Budget:	$1,135,164
Balance:	$6,865,000

1 August 2006
- Well great news to start off the new month...and it's not that I'm surprised but Australian winger Anthony Danze's work permit denial was upheld despite our appeal. I totally blew it on that one.
- The promotion odds have been released by UKbetting.com and Man City is the favorite to gain promotion this season and have been given 6-4 odds. The rest of the main contenders are Sheff Utd 7-4...Wolves 2-1...West Ham 5-2...Cardiff 3-1 and Leeds also 3-1. We...umm...in the eyes of the oddsmakers are sitting worse than last season at 80-1. Last season we were 50-1. I'm not sure if were worse off...but we have a long way to go.
- And of course the media come a callin' asking if our current squad was good enough...and I of course say yes...but if I can make some changes during the year...I definitely will.

3 August 2006
- We find out today that our appeal for Claude Davis' work permit was turned down once again.

4 August 2006
- The draw for the first round of the Carling Cup was held today and we get lucky and draw a home game...but it's against fellow league opponent Millwall. The game will be held on August 23rd.

+ Physio Report +

- Good lord we picked up another injury to our defense. This time is full back Stephen Crainey who broke his cheekbone and will be out for about 3 weeks.

[MikeVick7]

Roster Rundown

Starters in bold (age)

Strikers
Keigan Parker (24) - Parker is one of the few Seasiders that has been with us for all three years. His value is listed at $3.4 million dollars which is far and away the highest on the team...so basically if we get can a good deal on a striker this season...he will be transfer listed. But Parker is still our best striker...he still has the best pace and best finishing on the team. He's just one of the better athletes on the team. Parker led the team in goals scored last year with 10.

Simon Lynch (24) - Lynch came on last season like wildfire scoring five goals down the stretch for us to save us from relegation. Lynch has a good scoring touch and he's got great stamina.
Arthur Gomez (22) - Gomez was picked up on loan from Man Utd at the beginning of the season and will be with us at least until 9/26. Arthur's best strength is his off the ball movement and he's also very speedy but not as fast as Parker.

Midfield
AML - Artim Sakiri (32) - Artim was named our team's MVP last season by the fans. He played a little out of position last year and this year we're giving the 4-3-2-1 a try with him at the left attacking midfielder. Artim ended up with 2 goals and 8 assists. His strength is set pieces and he's one of the more creative guys on the team with the ball.

AMR - Wayne Routledge (21) - Probably our biggest pickup of the offseason. Wayne's a great athlete and plays with a lot of flair and anticipation. He's also great off the ball and quite speedy.

MC - Nick Montgomery (24) - Another one of our pickups in the offseason. Nick's strengths are that he's just a great team player and a good defensive player for a midfielder. His starting spot isn't a sure thing all season long.

MC - Keith Southern (25) - Keith is our team captain and will start in the midfield this year which is a change from his DM spot the first two seasons. Keith doesn't excel offensively...but he is very useful and a decent passer. His strength lie in his leadership and team play.

MC - James Harper (25) - Harper was an important pickup last season and had one of the highest average ratings at year end. His season was scarred a little by a three month absence but he's ready to go this season. He's a great passer and has a bit of flair to his game...but he's also a great team player.

Martin Bullock (31) - One of the original Seasiders. Bullock is a solid player off the bench and provides us with good all-around play. His best attribute is that he's a good player off the ball.
Steven Davis (21) - Davis was another pickup for us in the offseason. Davis will spot start thoughout the year but will mostly come off the bench. Good potential.

Defenders
DL - Stephen Crainey (25) - Crainey is a somewhat average defender I think...but what we like about him is his divine free kicking ability. And he's an excellent passer for a defender as well.

DR - Emmerson Boyce (26) - Emmerson has been one of our best defenders in the back line since the purchase last season. He proved that by making the Championship Team of tehe Week a team high five times. He's doesn't excel in one specific category but he's just a great athlete.

DC - Joseph Enakarhire (23) - Saw a lot of action as a starter on the Nigerian World Cup team this summer. Another great athlete in the back who is good in the air and is one of the stronger players on the team.

DC - Mark McGregor (29) - Along with Parker is one of the few original Seasiders that still starts. He's the best tackler on the team and is just a good worker in the back.

DR - Leam Richardson (26) - Leam doesn't have the greatest talent...but always seems to play excellent football when he's in there.
DC - Rob Clare (23) - Another original Seasider that is still young and has some room to grow. Best marker on the team.
DC - Phllip Bardsley (21) - One of the players that we got on loan from Man Utd. His strength lies when he's in the air.

Keepers
Thomas Myhre (32) - Is one of two keepers on the Norway national team. Myhre played great for us last season despite our lack of offense. He's still very agile for a 32 year old and has unreal reflexes.

Andrea Guatelli (22) - The starting job is his when Myhre's days are done. A very talented keeper that we picked up in the offseason for a very reasonable price. We think we got a good deal with Andrea. Great agility and is great at punching the ball out of the box when in trouble.

[MikeVick7]

5 August 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Gameday
Preview
We're going to try a little something funky to start the year and go with a 4-3-2-1 tactic with 3 midfielders…2 attacking wings and 1 striker. Kinda like what Chelsea does this season. Anyway…we'll give it a few games to see what works. Anyway…our first match of the season is against Sheff Wed and it's on TV. We haven't had the best luck on the tube but we're playing an opponent that we were very even with last season. In fact we just passed them in the table as a result of the last game of the year. It's going to be interesting to see how our new faces play today. Hopefully our defense holds up despite all the injuries we had in the preseason.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Montgomery / Harper / Routledge
Defense -	Bardsley / McGregor / Enakarhire / Clare
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	2	-	0	Sheff Wed
1st Half Notes
I was very happy with the first half…we out shot Sheff Wed 7-4 but none of the Sheff Wed shots were on goal. We struck first at the 31st minute when Nick Montgomery's indirect free kick from just inside midfield found Joseph Enakarhire just outside the box and he turned and fired for his first goal as a Seasider. We led 1-0 at the half.
2nd Half Notes
Well I certainly enjoy the more offensive style that we showed in the opening match of the year. We put up 22 shots compared to Sheff Wed's 5. But although we had a lot of shots…we still only came up with two goals today. The 2nd goal was due to a penalty kick that Keigan Parker buried just inside the right post to give him his first goal of the season.
Goals -	Joseph Enakarhire 31, Keigan Parker 61
Man of the Match -	Steven Davis
Conditions -	Dry 69F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9044

- Following the game we get word that our chairman Karl Oyston was extremely pleased with the result of our match against Sheff Wed.

6 August 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Millwall	1	1	0	0	3	0	3	3
2	Gillingham	1	1	0	0	4	2	2	3
3	Leeds	1	1	0	0	3	1	2	3
4	Crewe	1	1	0	0	3	1	2	3
5	Cardiff	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
6	Nottm Forest	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
7	West Ham	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
8	Blackpool	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
9	Sheff Utd	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
10	Barnsley	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
11	Derby	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
12	Man City	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
13	Stoke	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
14	Wigan	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
15	Stockport	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0
16	Wolves	1	0	0	1	2	4	-2	0
17	Preston	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2	0
18	Rotherham	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2	0
19	Luton	1	0	0	1	0	2	-2	0
20	Crystal Palace	1	0	0	1	0	2	-2	0
21	Burnley	1	0	0	1	0	2	-2	0
22	Ipswich	1	0	0	1	0	2	-2	0
23	Sheff Wed	1	0	0	1	0	2	-2	0
24	QPR	1	0	0	1	0	3	-3	0

[MikeVick7]

8 August 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Gameday
Preview
Today we take on a Stockport squad that is where we were at last year. So this is their first year in the Championship League and they've already been baptized by losing their first match to Barnsley 1-0. So naturally we'd like to keep that streak going. I was happy with our offensive attack in the first match and I'd like to think we can see more of the same today. Guatelli will get his first start in goal today and Simon Lynch will start in place of Parker who is a little fatigued after our match just two days ago.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Lynch
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper/ Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Bardsley / McGregor / Enakarhire / Clare
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Stockport	0	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
A very competitive first half as Stockport's squad showed a lot of moxie. They actually had numerous chances in the half but out of their four shots only one was on goal. We ended up with six shots total and notched the only goal of the half. Artim Sakiri sent in an errant cross from left to right and Wayne Routledge saved from going out of bounds and then fed Simon Lynch who headed it just inside the right post.
2nd Half Notes
We couldn't put another one in…in the 2nd half but we controlled possession and start the season very positively with a 2-0-0 start. Martin Bullock had to come off the pitch in the 2nd half so we'll see how severe the injury is after we get back to Blackpool.
Goals -	Simon Lynch 15
Man of the Match -	Nick Montgomery
Conditions -	Dry 77F
Venue -	Edgeley Park, Stockport
Attendance -	10244

+ Physio Report +

- It looks like Martin Bullock sprained his wrist in the match but he'll only miss a week.

10 August 2006
- Well our recent good play has illicited some interest in one of our midfielders James Harper. Barnsley has inquired about how much it would take to talk to him...meanwhile Man City...with all of their big money...has thrown out an offer of $552,000. Harper's been too good for us and we don't have the depth to just throw someone else out there. So we'll have to decline for now.

12 August 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Gameday
Preview
This will be our first test of the year and may humble us a bit. We're taking on Cardiff who was relegated from the Premier League this season. Plus the match is on the road so that will add to the challenge. Myhre is back in goal and Leam Richardson is healthy enough to get his first start at right back.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper/ Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Bardsley / McGregor / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Cardiff	1	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Wow…I like the way we're playing early on in the year. We played evenly with Cardiff in the 1st half before Cardiff got a great goal from Neil Barrett at the 41 minute mark. But just two minutes later…we stole an inbounds pass thanks to Artim Sakiri…Sakairi then passed it to Steven Davis on the left side of the box and Davis powered one home to even it up.
2nd Half Notes
The 2nd half was played to a draw…but man we'll take it. We easily played to the level of Cardiff today and considering how we played last year…it's a welcome sight. And our defending the corner problem seems to be improved ten fold. And no injuries in the match to boot.
Goals -	Neil Barrett 41, Steven Davis 43
Man of the Match -	Joseph Enakarhire
Conditions -	Dry 78F
Venue -	St David Stadium, Cardiff
Attendance -	17453

13 August 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Millwall	3	2	1	0	9	3	6	7
2	Blackpool	3	2	1	0	4	1	3	7
3	Crewe	3	2	0	1	7	4	3	6
4	Sheff Wed	3	2	0	1	7	4	3	6
5	West Ham	3	2	0	1	4	2	2	6
6	Ipswich	3	2	0	1	4	2	2	6
7	Gillingham	3	1	2	0	5	3	2	5
8	Derby	3	1	2	0	4	2	2	5
9	Nottm Forest	3	1	2	0	3	1	2	5
10	Man City	3	1	1	1	3	2	1	4
11	Cardiff	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	4
12	Sheff Utd	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	4
13	Wolves	3	1	1	1	4	5	-1	4
14	Stoke	3	1	1	1	3	4	-1	4
15	Wigan	3	1	1	1	1	3	-2	4
16	Leeds	3	1	0	2	4	5	-1	3
17	Preston	3	1	0	2	4	5	-1	3
18	Rotherham	3	1	0	2	4	5	-1	3
19	Stockport	3	1	0	2	2	3	-1	3
20	Luton	3	1	0	2	3	6	-3	3
21	Burnley	3	1	0	2	3	6	-3	3
22	Barnsley	3	1	0	2	1	4	-3	3
23	Crystal Palace	3	0	2	1	3	5	-2	2
24	QPR	3	0	0	3	3	10	-7	0

[AlexB]

Nice start - looking bright for you...

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

14 August 2006
- Despite losing his starting spot when Leam Richardson came back for the match on Saturday...fullback Rob Clare was named to the Championship Team of the Week.

15 August 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Gameday
Preview
What a difference a year makes. We're off to a hot start so far this season as we sit 2nd in the Championship table and things are looking bright. We have another mid-week match so we look to make a few changes. Man Utd's Arthur Gomez will starter at striker...Rob Clare back at fullback and the young keeper Andrea Guatelli will be back in goal for his 2nd match. QPR is struggling early as they sit dead last in the table at 0-0-3 so far.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Gomez
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper/ Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Bardsley / McGregor / Enakarhire / Clare
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	0	QPR
1st Half Notes
It was a pretty even first half as neither team could find the back of the net. We held the shot advantage at 7-3.
2nd Half Notes
QPR was able to gain their first point of the year by drawing 0-0. It was a pretty lackluster match as neither team had any legit chances…although we outshot them 12-4. We run our unbeaten streak to four games to start off the season.
Goals -	None
Man of the Match -	Danny Shittu - QPR
Conditions -	Dry 57F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	8701

19 August 2006
- Before our game on Saturday we have some interest in midfielder Peter Sweeney. Sweeny is 21 and would play on the left side for us. Millwall's asking price is $260,000.

Coca-Cola Championship League Gameday
Preview
We go from playin QPR on Tuesday who at the time was last in the table to playing Burnley today who is current last place team in the table. Keigan Parker Leam Richardson and Thomas Myhre are back in the starting lineup for today's contest. This game is already our 2nd appearance on TV this year.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper/ Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Bardsley / McGregor / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Burnley	0	-	2	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Another great 1st half for us. We get the benefit of an own goal just 18 minutes into the game. James Harper put a shot off the cross bar and it bounced back to centre back David Weir who mistakenly put it back in his own goal. Then at the 35 minute mark...Wayne Routledge stole a clearing atempt and shot one past the keeper to make it 2-0.
2nd Half Notes
Burnley had the majority of chances in this half but couldn't get anything past our keepers. Guatelli was brought in at the half when Myhre had reported that he tweaked a hammy in the first half. We notch our 3rd win of the season…and we're 2-0-0 on TV.
Goals -	David Weir og18, Wayne Routledge 35
Man of the Match -	Joseph Enakarhire
Conditions -	Dry 51F
Venue -	Turf Moor, Burnley
Attendance -	22604

+ Physio Report +

- Mark McGregor who actually went down just four minutes into the match on Saturday damaged his heel a bit and will be out for about five days.

- And again Karl Oysten couldn't be more happier with our win.

20 August 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Ipswich	5	4	0	1	10	3	7	12
2	Millwall	5	3	2	0	13	5	8	11
3	Blackpool	5	3	2	0	6	1	5	11
4	Nottm Forest	5	3	2	0	8	4	4	11
5	Sheff Wed	5	3	1	1	12	6	6	10
6	Man City	5	3	1	1	9	4	5	10
7	Stoke	5	3	1	1	7	4	3	10
8	Gillingham	5	2	3	0	9	6	3	9
9	Sheff Utd	5	2	2	1	7	5	2	8
10	Cardiff	5	2	1	2	7	7	0	7
11	West Ham	5	2	1	2	5	5	0	7
12	Crewe	5	2	0	3	9	9	0	6
13	Rotherham	5	2	0	3	8	9	-1	6
14	Crystal Palace	5	1	3	1	5	6	-1	6
15	Wolves	5	1	3	1	4	5	-1	6
16	Barnsley	5	2	0	3	4	8	-4	6
17	Derby	5	1	2	2	6	7	-1	5
18	Wigan	5	1	2	2	1	5	-4	5
19	Leeds	5	1	1	3	6	8	-2	4
20	QPR	5	1	1	3	6	11	-5	4
21	Luton	5	1	0	4	4	9	-5	3
22	Stockport	5	1	0	4	2	7	-5	3
23	Preston	5	1	0	4	5	11	-6	3
24	Burnley	5	1	0	4	4	12	-8	3

[MikeVick7]

Originally Posted by Jari Rantanen's Shorts

Nice start - looking bright for you...

Yeah it's like night and day compared to last year. I'm very happy so far.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

21 August 2006
- Fullback Leam Richardson was named to the Championship Team of the Week. Last week it was fullback Rob Clare. Ouf defense has been really solid so far.

22 August 2006

Carling Cup 1st Round
Preview
We haven't had great luck when drawing opponents in the cup tournaments and this year it's really no different. Today's opponent in the 1st round of the Carling Cup is Millwall who is off to a great start this season with a record that matches ours. This is another mid-week game for us so we have to go to a couple of subs. Simon Lynch will start up front...Martin Bullock will start at AMR and Rob Clare in for a slightly injured McGregor. Oh and this will be another TV game.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Lynch
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper/ Montgomery / Bullock
Defense -	Bardsley / Clare / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	2	-	0	Millwall
1st Half Notes
Very feisty first half by Millwall as they were given five yellow cards including Adrian Serioux getting sent off for receiving his 2nd card within 15 minutes of the match beginning. But still there's two zero's on the board…but we have the definite advantage in the 2nd half.
2nd Half Notes
The breaks are definitely going our way this season. We finally break through at the 80th minute mark when a Nick Montgomery shot from straight on deflected of a Millwall defender and past the keeper for his first goal with the club. Then we bring in Keith Southern right after that goal for some defensive help and he ends up scoring on a shot from about 20 yards away to ice the victory and our first victory in a tournament game.
Goals -	Nick Montgomery 80, Keith Southern 85
Man of the Match -	Artim Sakiri
Conditions -	Dry 46F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	7826

Seasider News

- With our win in the 1st Round the club earned $36,000.

23 August 2006
- Despite us beating them in the Carling Cup on Tuesday...the next day they accept our offer for AML Peter Sweeney. When we sit down at the table with him he said he's not interested in coming to our club. So we up the weekly wages and give him a signing fee of $24,000. Let's see if he bites.

- We've also been looking hard for a strong forward. One that good in the air and has plenty of strength. Well we think we've found one in Michael Ricketts. Michael is listed for transfer and plays for the Leeds Reserve team. The asking price is fair...$260,000...$120,000 less that his listed value. The only stumbling block would be that his weekly wage is $18,000 which is about $12,000 more than we'd be able to pay him. But we'd be guaranteeing him first team play.

24 August 2006
- We're alerted that the transfer deadline is in one week.

26 August 2006
- The transfer offer for striker Michael Ricketts was accepted by Leeds today and now we sit down at the table with the power forward.
- Well Ricketts' agent does not believe we have the resources to meet his clients demands. Plus the board is only allowing me $5,800 per week to sign him. Sigh...don't think this will work.
- And our luck with draws in tournament play continues to spiral downward. We get a home match...oh yes...but it's against West Brom who is now playing in the Premiership this season. The game will be held at Bloomfield Road on September 19th.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Back to the league with a match versus Crystal Palace. Last year Palace was in the playoffs for a possible promotion to the Premiership and this year they have started fairly slowly at 1-3-1…that's 14th in the table. Mark McGregor will be back at centre back for us today and Andrea Guatelli will be in goal for us.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper/ Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Bardsley / McGregor / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	2	-	3	Crystal Palace
1st Half Notes
A very competitive first half as Keigan Parker showed a flash of the brilliance that he had in League One. Parker scored two goals to bring his season total to three. Parker…possibly picking up his playing after hearing rumors of the club going after another striker scored his first goal just six minutes into the match as he faked out the Palace keeper and booted it home. Palace countered just two minutes later on a great individual move by Andrew Johnson. But then Parker scored his 2nd goal as hit shot deflected off a Palace defender and into the goal.
2nd Half Notes
I'll have to hand it to Crystal Palace. They came out in the 2nd half and dominated play. They got goals from Neil Shipperley and Aki Riihilahti and steal the win away from us at home.
Goals -	Keigan Parker 6, Andrew Johnson 8, Keigan Parker 35, Neil Shipperley 49, Aki Riihilahti 69
Man of the Match -	Thomas Myhre
Conditions -	Dry 46F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9058

+ Physio Report +

- Our physio has indicated that Artim Sakiri suffered a chest injury during the match and will be out for about a week.

27 August 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	6	4	2	0	11	4	7	14
2	Man City	6	4	1	1	11	4	7	13
3	Ipswich	6	4	1	1	10	3	7	13
4	Gillingham	6	3	3	0	11	6	5	12
5	Millwall	6	3	2	1	14	9	5	11
6	Blackpool	6	3	2	1	8	4	4	11
7	Sheff Utd	6	3	2	1	9	6	3	11
8	Stoke	6	3	2	1	7	4	3	11
9	Sheff Wed	6	3	1	2	12	8	4	10
10	Wolves	6	2	3	1	7	6	1	9
11	Crystal Palace	6	2	3	1	8	8	0	9
12	Cardiff	6	2	2	2	9	9	0	8
13	Leeds	6	2	1	3	10	9	1	7
14	West Ham	6	2	1	3	6	7	-1	7
15	QPR	6	2	1	3	9	13	-4	7
16	Crewe	6	2	0	4	10	12	-2	6
17	Luton	6	2	0	4	7	9	-2	6
18	Rotherham	6	2	0	4	8	11	-3	6
19	Preston	6	2	0	4	7	11	-4	6
20	Barnsley	6	2	0	4	4	10	-6	6
21	Derby	6	1	2	3	6	10	-4	5
22	Wigan	6	1	2	3	1	8	-7	5
23	Burnley	6	1	1	4	6	14	-8	4
24	Stockport	6	1	0	5	4	10	-6	3

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

28 August 2006
- Midfielder Peter Sweeney said he had no interest in signing with us and that held true as he turned down our contract offer cause he likes playing near his home. So our search turns elsewhere.
- Arthur Gomez and Joseph Enakarhire were called up for international duty. Both of their matches will be on March 9th.

29 August 2006
- Michael Ricketts' agent announced that his cleint has turned down our contract offer but is will to renegoiate. He's looking for a larger weekly wage which were not allowed to offer at the moment. Maybe a larger signing bonus will work? We offer the same wage and double the signing bonus to $200,000.
- Later in the day we made a transfer offer to Stoke for centre back Wayne Thomas. Thomas at 27 is exactly what we're looking for in a defender. Stoke's asking price was $550,000.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Yes another midweek match for us and this time it is against a much improved Gillingham squad. Gillingham finished 17th last season just two spots ahead of us. Today fullback Stephen Crainey gets his first start of the year after being on the injured list. Also Artim Sakiri is unavailable due to a minor injury.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Lynch
Midfield -	Harper / Davis / Southern / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / McGregor / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Gillingham	0	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Gillingham knows who their best player is and they went to him often in the first half. Striker Sandor Torghelle had at least five heading chances inside the box in the first half but could not score on any of them. Gillingham had nine total shots in the half but none of them were on goal. Stephen Crainey is playing in his first match of the season after recovering from a head injury and he did what we signed him for...scored on a free kick from 20 yards out to give us a 1-0 halftime lead.
2nd Half Notes
That's a 1-0 victory that we'll take anyday. Gillingham had a ton of chances in that game…15 total…but could not find the back of the net as they lose a tough one at home. We somehow were able to stop the heading chances for Torghelle…that helped a lot. And we even missed a penalty kick by Leam Richardson. But we'll take it.
Goals -	Stephen Crainey 34
Man of the Match -	Joseph Enakarhire
Conditions -	Dry 50F
Venue -	Priestfield, Gillingham
Attendance -	10281

+ Physio Report +

- We suffered two minor injuries in the match on Tuesday. Steven Davis will be out for three days with bruised ribs and Simon Lynch will be out for five days with a thigh strain.

Seasider News

30 August 2006
- The agent of striker Michael Ricketts has broken off negotiations since we cannot meet the weekly wage demands of his client.
- Stoke answers our transfer query for centre back Wayne Thomas. They are willing to let us talk to him for $820,000...which would be $320,000 up front and $500,000 over the next six months. We're in a bit of a bind since we feel we need a striker more and if we agree to this deal it would drain our transfer budget in the meantime. I'll have to mull this one over.

31 August 2006
- The transfer deadline is by midnight tonight.
- Derby makes an offer of $105,000 for 18 year old striker Ryan Watson who plays on our reserve team. Ryan doesn't look all that promsing at the moment...so we're going to bite on this one.
- After our win against Gillingham a couple of players approached me and commented on how they don't think too much of Phillip Bardsley...the fullback on loan from Man Utd. His loan ends on 10/23 but now that Stephen Crainey is back it might be a good idea to end his loan early.

[MikeVick7]

September 2006

Team Capsule
League Position:	3rd inChampionship League
Record:	4-2-1
Active Tournament(s):	2nd Rd Carling Cup
Wage Total:	$65,050
Wage Budget:	$85,000
Transfer Budget Available	$966,338
Transfer Budget:	$1,135,164
Balance:	$7,657,885

Seasider News

1 September 2006
- The Wolves winger Seol Ki-Hyeon has won the English Championship Player of the Month award.
- And I finished 3rd in the Manager of the Month award.
- In transfer news...we decide to use some of our transfer funds and go after centre back Wayne Thomas and striker Neil Roberts. Roberts isn't currently listed for transfer but we thought we would inquire.
- Also today we termintated the loan contract of fullback Phillip Bardsley. Phil's disruptions in the locker room were too much to handle for my club.
- Our asst Phil Dearden has resigned our only decent young player as centre back Matthew Lawlor has signed a new deal until June 2009. Lawlor is on loan with Oldham right now and his value has skyrocketed to $1.65 million!!
- Notts Co has made a transfer offer for another one of our young players. Midfielder James Foran. James also has some talent and we'll keep him on for a bit longer.

3 September 2006
- Stoke has accepted our transfer offer for centre back Wayne Thomas. Thomas' agent has indicated that his client would need a 3 year deal at $7,600 per week and a $56,000 signing bonus. We agree to those terms.
- On the flipside...Doncaster has rejected our $190,000 offer for striker Neil Roberts.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

4 September 2006
- Joseph Enakarhire was named to the Championship League Team of the Week.

5 September 2006
- And it turns out that Enakarhire will have a new mate in the backline as Wayne Thomas has accepted ouf offer and will be coming to Blackpool.

6 September 2006
- Now that we've signed another defender...Conventry has now inquired about fullback Stephen Crainey. We decline.

9 September 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We get to play our first match after a well needed week and a half break. We take on a Derby team that owned us last year…but this season the tables are reversed a bit as we are a more confident squad. Wayne Thomas will get his first start since joining the club this week and he'll be joined at centre back by Rob Clare who is filling in for Joseph Enakarhire who is on international duty.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Clare / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	2	Derby
1st Half Notes
Wow…we really struggled after the week and a half layoff. Derby exposed our new acquisition by scoring two goals from right in the middle of the box where they were left unmarked. Derby had plenty of chances in that first half and it's a surprise that it's only 2-0 at the half.
2nd Half Notes
Give credit to Derby…they took advantage of our new backline and exposed it with two first half goals and that was it. We did gel a bit more in the 2nd half and had a lot more chances…but we just couldn't put anything together.
Goals -	Inigo Idiakez 1, Ben Wilkinson 45
Man of the Match -	Tom Huddlestone
Conditions -	Dry 50F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road. Blackpool
Attendance -	9054

+ Physio Report +

- Well so much for Wayne Thomas getting his feet wet. The newest Seasider twisted his ankle in the last match and will be out for about two weeks.

- Leam Richardson was given a red card in the match against Derby so he will be suspended for our next game.

10 September 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	8	5	3	0	13	4	9	18
2	Man City	8	5	1	2	14	6	8	16
3	Ipswich	8	5	1	2	11	5	6	16
4	Stoke	8	4	3	1	9	4	5	15
5	Crystal Palace	8	4	3	1	12	8	4	15
6	Blackpool	8	4	2	2	9	6	3	14
7	Sheff Utd	8	4	2	2	10	8	2	14
8	Sheff Wed	8	4	1	3	18	13	5	13
9	Gillingham	8	3	4	1	12	8	4	13
10	Millwall	8	3	3	2	16	12	4	12
11	Wolves	8	3	3	2	10	7	3	12
12	Preston	8	4	0	4	10	12	-2	12
13	Derby	8	3	2	3	13	14	-1	11
14	Luton	8	3	1	4	11	12	-1	10
15	West Ham	8	2	3	3	6	7	-1	9
16	Crewe	8	3	0	5	12	14	-2	9
17	Cardiff	8	2	3	3	10	12	-2	9
18	Leeds	8	2	2	4	11	12	-1	8
19	QPR	8	2	2	4	9	15	-6	8
20	Burnley	8	2	2	4	8	15	-7	8
21	Wigan	8	2	2	4	6	13	-7	8
22	Rotherham	8	2	1	5	8	12	-4	7
23	Barnsley	8	2	0	6	4	14	-10	6
24	Stockport	8	1	0	7	5	14	-9	3

[MikeVick7]

15 September 2006

Seasider News

- The only news so far this week has been that Barnsley threw us an offer of $550,000 for midfielder James Harper. We like James in the middle so he won't be going anywhere for a while.

16 September 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Well we need to get back on the right track after getting blanked by Derby last weekend. Being that Wayne Thomas will be out for another week our backline is pieced together a bit but it's a unit that knows each other better. Plus Joseph Enakarhire missed last match due to international duty and we was sorely missed. Andrea Guatelli will get another chance in goal.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / McGregor / Enakarhire / Clare
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Leeds	3	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Lot of action in the 1st half…mostly created by Leeds. They got on the board early on another mistake by our central defense as Jonathan Stead put one home just three minutes into the contest. But we responded 20 minutes later as James Harper fed Keigan Parker inside the box for a superb goal. But then Leeds had the last laugh as a great long lead pass was fed to Jonathan Stead as he put another one past the charging Guatelli.
2nd Half Notes
Man…we really got schooled out on the pitch today. Leeds managed 21 total shots and 12 shots on gaol. They added another one by a Michael Ricketts header late in the match to seal it. Yup…the same Michael Ricketts that we went after about a month ago.
Goals -	Jonathan Stead 3, Keigan Parker 23, Jonathan Stead 45, Michael Ricketts 76
Man of the Match -	Jonathan Stead
Conditions -	Wet 53F
Venue -	Ellend Road, Leeds
Attendance -	22011

- On Saturday night we sent out a loan offer to Millwall for striker John Sutton. Sutton is the kind of striker that we're looking for so we thought it would be nice to bring someone in to see how he would fit with the offense.

17 September 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	9	6	3	0	15	4	11	21
2	Ipswich	9	6	1	2	13	6	7	19
3	Crystal Palace	9	5	3	1	14	9	5	18
4	Man City	9	5	2	2	14	6	8	17
5	Sheff Utd	9	5	2	2	13	8	5	17
6	Stoke	9	4	4	1	9	4	5	16
7	Millwall	9	4	3	2	18	12	6	15
8	Blackpool	9	4	2	3	10	9	1	14
9	Sheff Wed	9	4	1	4	18	14	4	13
10	Gillingham	9	3	4	2	13	10	3	13
11	Luton	9	4	1	4	12	12	0	13
12	Wolves	9	3	3	3	11	9	2	12
13	Cardiff	9	3	3	3	13	14	-1	12
14	Preston	9	4	0	5	10	15	-5	12
15	Leeds	9	3	2	4	14	13	1	11
16	Derby	9	3	2	4	15	17	-2	11
17	QPR	9	3	2	4	11	16	-5	11
18	Wigan	9	3	2	4	7	13	-6	11
19	West Ham	9	2	3	4	6	8	-2	9
20	Crewe	9	3	0	6	12	16	-4	9
21	Rotherham	9	2	2	5	10	14	-4	8
22	Burnley	9	2	2	5	9	17	-8	8
23	Barnsley	9	2	0	7	4	16	-12	6
24	Stockport	9	1	1	7	7	16	-9	4

[MikeVick7]

+ Physio Report +

18 September 2006
- On Monday we learn that midfielder James Harper tweaked his knee a bit and will be sidelined for around a week.

Seasider News

- Also on Monday Keigan Parker told a national newspaper that he may look to go to a bigger club. The 24 year old striker has been our leading scorer for over the past two seasons and his current value is $3.4 million. So if we sold him off...it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world financially for the club. We're just having a hard time finding another striker to bring in.

19 September 2006
- And to further complicate our search for a striker...Millwall rejected the loan offer for John Sutton.

Carling Cup 2nd Round
Preview
We get a home match for this 2nd round match-up but it's against West Brom. West Brom is back up in the Premier League this season but only have one win to show for it in eight games. Unlike our team…they didn't have to play this weekend…so they really don't have to rest their starters in this one which is kinda unfortunate.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Southern / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / McGregor / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	1	-	2	West Brom
1st Half Notes
The first half was definitely an interesting one. First of all…Leam Richardson got a little too heated with the ref after receiving a yellow card…so the ref gave him another and sent him off just 11 minutes into the game. So we adjust to a 3-1-2-2-1 and we actually got a goal in just seven minutes later as Keigan Parker scored one from a Nick Montgomery pass.
2nd Half Notes
We almost held onto this one but eventually we wore down. Darren Purse scored on a penalty kick just seven minutes into the 2nd half…and then Lloyd Dyer scored on a corner kick in the 90th minute to boot us out of the Carling Cup.
Goals -	Keigan Parker 18, Darren Purse pen52, Lloyd Dyer 90
Man of the Match -	Russel Hoult - West Brom
Conditions -	Dry 46
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	8301

+ Physio Report +

- We're starting to get hit by the injury bug again. Keith Southern will be out for 2 weeks after straining his groin in the match and Wayne Routledge hurt his shoulder and will be out for about five days.

Seasider News

- And to no one's surprise...Leam Richardson will be suspended for one match due to him receiving a red card during the match against West Brom.
- Morecambe inquired about loaning out midfielder James Foran for three months and we agree. We want to get our reserve squad players as much first team action as possible.

21 September 2006
- Man Utd reserve striker Arthur Gomez' loan is up in a few days. We just haven't found a lot of playing time for Arthur so we will not renew his loan.

23 September 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
With numerous players either unavailable due to injuries or suspensions…we have to dip into the reserves just to fill out the subs. So today…18 year old James Foran will get to start in the midfield today for the first time since year one. We also bring up star centre back Matthew Lawler as he could see some action off the bench. Wigan sits in 18th place in the table right now and we're at home. Can you please deliver a win before I go to bed??
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Montgomery / Foran / Bullock
Defense -	Crainey / McGregor / Enakarhire / Clare
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	1	-	2	Wigan
1st Half Notes
Well…scratch that win request. Two goals in the first 17 minutes. Too many injuries…and moral is too down right now to win with our talent.
2nd Half Notes
We show a little 2nd half heart when Steven Davis scored a goal at the 90 minute mark…but that was all we could muster. Time to hit the training room fellas.
Goals -	Darren Byfield 8, Colin Healy 17, Steven Davis 90
Man of the Match -	Alan Mahon - Wigan
Conditions -	Dry 55F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9059

+ Physio Report +

- You know I had to get this banner fired up after the match. Keigan Parker injured his shoulder during the match and will be out of action for five days.

24 September 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	10	6	4	0	17	6	11	22
2	Crystal Palace	10	6	3	1	17	10	7	21
3	Man City	10	6	2	2	16	6	10	20
4	Ipswich	10	6	2	2	15	8	7	20
5	Millwall	10	5	3	2	22	12	10	18
6	Sheff Utd	10	5	3	2	15	10	5	18
7	Stoke	10	4	5	1	10	5	5	17
8	Derby	10	4	2	4	17	17	0	14
9	Luton	10	4	2	4	12	12	0	14
10	Blackpool	10	4	2	4	11	11	0	14
11	Wigan	10	4	2	4	9	14	-5	14
12	Sheff Wed	10	4	1	5	18	15	3	13
13	Wolves	10	3	4	3	12	10	2	13
14	Gillingham	10	3	4	3	13	13	0	13
15	Cardiff	10	3	4	3	14	15	-1	13
16	Preston	10	4	1	5	12	17	-5	13
17	Leeds	10	3	3	4	15	14	1	12
18	West Ham	10	3	3	4	7	8	-1	12
19	Burnley	10	3	2	5	12	17	-5	11
20	QPR	10	3	2	5	11	18	-7	11
21	Crewe	10	3	1	6	12	16	-4	10
22	Rotherham	10	2	2	6	10	16	-6	8
23	Barnsley	10	2	0	8	4	20	-16	6
24	Stockport	10	1	1	8	8	19	-11	4

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

- It was an incredibly slow newsweek here in Blackpool. We're just trying to get healthy and get back on the winning track. The only news to pass along is that we transfer listed unhappy striker Keigan Parker to see who would be interested. We initially listed him at his full value of $3.4 million.

30 September 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We're desperate to get a win here and our next couple of games are against teams near the bottom of the table. The first match is against West Ham who currently sits 18th in the Championship League. We're actually the healthiest we've been all season and we alomst have our intended starting lineup in place with the exception of Emmerson Boyce at right fullback.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Parker
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	West Ham	0	-	0	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Both teams came out firing in the 1st half as both teams combine for 18 shots. But neither team were able to capitalize on their chances. The majority of the highlights were in the West Ham offensive zone unfortunately.
2nd Half Notes
Well no luck for either team in the 2nd half…but at this point a draw is better than a loss right? Both teams combined for 26 shots yet no one could drive one home. Simon Lynch…who came on late for Keigan Parker…had to be taken off due to an injury. We'll find out when we get back home how severe it is.
Goals -	None
Man of the Match -	Stephen Bywater - West Ham
Conditions -	Dry 48F
Venue -	Upton Park, London
Attendance -	24710

+ Physio Report +

- And when we get back to Blackpool we find out that Simon Lynch bruised his shin and will be out of action for about five days.

Now we have a welcomed two weeks off before our next match. We should have the full starting lineup in place for that match. Well...we could be minus one striker. I'll keep you posted.

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Man City	11	7	2	2	18	6	12	23
2	Ipswich	11	7	2	2	18	8	10	23
3	Nottm Forest	11	6	4	1	17	9	8	22
4	Crystal Palace	11	6	4	1	17	10	7	22
5	Sheff Utd	11	6	3	2	16	10	6	21
6	Millwall	11	5	3	3	22	14	8	18
7	Stoke	11	4	5	2	10	6	4	17
8	Luton	11	5	2	4	14	12	2	17
9	Sheff Wed	11	5	1	5	21	17	4	16
10	Wolves	11	4	4	3	14	11	3	16
11	Preston	11	5	1	5	14	17	-3	16
12	Blackpool	11	4	3	4	11	11	0	15
13	Wigan	11	4	3	4	10	15	-5	15
14	Gillingham	11	3	5	3	13	13	0	14
15	Cardiff	11	3	5	3	15	16	-1	14
16	Derby	11	4	2	5	19	21	-2	14
17	Burnley	11	4	2	5	16	19	-3	14
18	QPR	11	4	2	5	12	18	-6	14
19	West Ham	11	3	4	4	7	8	-1	13
20	Leeds	11	3	3	5	15	15	0	12
21	Crewe	11	3	1	7	14	19	-5	10
22	Rotherham	11	2	2	7	11	18	-7	8
23	Barnsley	11	2	0	9	4	22	-18	6
24	Stockport	11	1	1	9	8	21	-13	4

[MikeVick7]

October 2006

Team Capsule
League Position:	12th in Championship League
Record:	4-3-4
Active Tournament(s):	None
Wage Total:	$74,405
Wage Budget:	$85,000
Transfer Budget Available	$128,540
Transfer Budget:	$1,135,164
Balance:	$6,795,299

Seasider News

1 October 2006
- Crystal Palace winger Joonas Kokka was named the Championship Player of the Month.

2 October 2006
- Both of our fullbacks...Leam Richardson and Stephen Crainey...were named to the Championship Team of the Week.

3 October 2006
- Well here we go. Today...Stoke has made an transfer offer of $3 million for the services of Keigan Parker. They have given us until the 10th to respond. We have made other inquiries about three strikers so it's a juggling act right now. We've made a loan offer to Watford for Gauthier Diafutua. Diafutua played on loan for us last season. We've also made a $300,000 transfer offer for Doncaster's Neil Roberts. They've already turned down a transfer offer from us earlier in the season.

6 October 2006
- Well Watford has accepted our loan offer for Diafutua. Now if he agrees to come here then I think the door is open for us to let Parker go.

7 October 2006
- I guess money talks as Doncaster has accepted our $300,000 offer for Neil Roberts. Roberts wants a 2 year contract worth $5,000 per week and a $14,000 signing bonus. We make the offer.
- We also accept the transfer offer from Stoke for Parker. Parker also has a $3.8 minimum release clause...so let's hope that is not a stumbling block.
- Accrington of the North Conference has made a loan bid for our young midfielder Simon Wiles and we accept. This will be the first time that Wiles will play on loan for someone. Plus they are willing to play his wages for the three months. We like Accrington.
- On the international front...we find out that midfielders Steven Davis and Artim Sakiri both saw action in their countries resspective matches.

8 October 2006
- Good news for us as Gauthier Diafutua has agreed to join us on loan once again. Guathier is a 20 year old striker who has excellent heading skills and is a great finisher as well.

9 October 2006
- More good news on Monday as Neil Roberts has accepted our contract offer...but we have to wait for the deal for Parker to go through. So we delay it one week. Speaking of the Parker deal...
- Keigan Parker has agreed to terms with Stoke and the $3 million dollar deal can go through!!!! Papa like. Parker signed a 3 year deal with Stoke for $12,000 per week. Man. It's kinda sad to see Keigan go as he scored 45 goals for us in about 2 1/4 seasons.

11 October 2006
- With the sale of Parker we now have a $2.9 million dollar transfer budget. Although it still says $1.1 million is available for the season. Not sure if I'd be able to get my grubby hands on the full amount yet...but I'm gonna test it. Also I've just noticed that our wage budget has gone up from $85,000 to $98,000.

14 October 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Well here we go…first match post-Parker. Since we're still waiting for the Neil Roberts deal to go through we will give the youngster Gauthier Diafutua the start up front today. We still have to play w/o Emmerson Boyce but he will be with us next match. Everyone is healthy for this one. The Crewe is 21st in the table so we really need to take 3 points from these guys.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diafutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	1	-	0	Crewe
1st Half Notes
The purpose of Crewe's play today was defensive as the first half went by w/o much happening. Crewe didn't get off on the right foot however as defender John Thompson was sent off just 18 minutes into the match after receiving his 2nd yellow card. Something that we failed to take advantage of.
2nd Half Notes
All we got was one goal…it was on a penalty kick…but we'll take it. Even though our only score was on a Stephen Crainey penalty kick 49 minutes into the game…offensively we did dominate the 2nd half…but just couldn't get anything to go. Defensively we were superb as we only allowed four total shots.
Goals -	Stephen Crainey pen49
Man of the Match -	Ben Williams - Crewe
Conditions -	Dry 46F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9052

15 October 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	12	7	4	1	19	9	10	25
2	Sheff Utd	12	7	3	2	17	10	7	24
3	Man City	12	7	2	3	18	8	10	23
4	Ipswich	12	7	2	3	19	10	9	23
5	Crystal Palace	12	6	5	1	17	10	7	23
6	Millwall	12	6	3	3	24	15	9	21
7	Luton	12	6	2	4	16	12	4	20
8	Wolves	12	5	4	3	16	11	5	19
9	Blackpool	12	5	3	4	12	11	1	18
10	Sheff Wed	12	5	2	5	22	18	4	17
11	Cardiff	12	4	5	3	18	16	2	17
12	Gillingham	12	4	5	3	15	13	2	17
13	Stoke	12	4	5	3	10	8	2	17
14	QPR	12	5	2	5	15	18	-3	17
15	Preston	12	5	1	6	14	19	-5	16
16	Leeds	12	4	3	5	17	15	2	15
17	Derby	12	4	3	5	19	21	-2	15
18	Wigan	12	4	3	5	10	18	-8	15
19	Burnley	12	4	2	6	16	21	-5	14
20	West Ham	12	3	4	5	7	11	-4	13
21	Crewe	12	3	1	8	14	20	-6	10
22	Rotherham	12	2	2	8	11	19	-8	8
23	Barnsley	12	2	1	9	5	23	-18	7
24	Stockport	12	1	1	10	8	23	-15	4

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

16 October 2006
- Thanks to the Parker deal...we were now able to sign Doncaster's striker Neil Roberts. Roberts should be available for next Saturday's match.

21 October 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Another legit chance for us to get a win as we take on the 23rd best team in the league right now. We welcome Neil Roberts to the lineup for the first time long with right fullback Emmerson Boyce who is finally back from injury. Boyce will likely only play the first half as he eases his way back into playing shape.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Barnsley	0	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
We really screw ourselves early in the match as Stephen Crainey was sent off just 21 minutes into the match for receiving two yellow cards. So even though we still got a fair amount of scoring chances…the advantage is not tilted towards Barnsley. We're lucky that it's still 0-0 after one.
2nd Half Notes
Remember our young prodigy Richie Wellens from season one? The once star from the Seasiders was sent off the pitch at the 62nd minute mark for receiving his 2nd yellow card of the match…hence evening the sides. So just five minutes later we took advantage as Leam Richardson sent in a cross from the right corner that Gauthier Diafutua headed in for his first goal as a Seasider as we steal this one from Barnsley.
Goals -	Gauthier Diafutua 67
Man of the Match -	David Scarsella - Barnsley
Conditions -	Wet 48F
Venue -	Oakwell, Barnsley
Attendance -	16881

+ Physio Report +

- Nothing too bad after this match but midfielder Steven Davis strained his neck and will miss about five days. Meanwhile newly acquired Neil Roberts suffered a bruise thigh and will miss about three days this week.

Seasider News

- And to make things worse for our next game...Steven Crainey will be suspended after receiving a red card in Saturday's match. And Leam Richardson reached his yellow card limit and will also be suspended for Saturday's game.

22 October 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	13	8	4	1	20	9	11	28
2	Sheff Utd	13	7	4	2	17	10	7	25
3	Man City	13	7	3	3	18	8	10	24
4	Ipswich	13	7	3	3	20	11	9	24
5	Crystal Palace	13	6	6	1	18	11	7	24
6	Wolves	13	6	4	3	18	11	7	22
7	Millwall	13	6	3	4	24	19	5	21
8	Luton	13	6	3	4	17	13	4	21
9	Blackpool	13	6	3	4	13	11	2	21
10	Stoke	13	5	5	3	14	8	6	20
11	Sheff Wed	13	6	2	5	24	19	5	20
12	Cardiff	13	5	5	3	19	16	3	20
13	Gillingham	13	5	5	3	16	13	3	20
14	QPR	13	6	2	5	16	18	-2	20
15	Leeds	13	4	4	5	18	16	2	16
16	Preston	13	5	1	7	15	21	-6	16
17	Wigan	13	4	4	5	11	19	-8	16
18	Derby	13	4	3	6	19	22	-3	15
19	Burnley	13	4	3	6	17	22	-5	15
20	West Ham	13	3	4	6	7	12	-5	13
21	Crewe	13	3	1	9	14	21	-7	10
22	Rotherham	13	2	2	9	11	20	-9	8
23	Barnsley	13	2	1	10	5	24	-19	7
24	Stockport	13	1	1	11	8	25	-17	4

I don't want to sound too confident just after 13 games...but the bottom three this year...Rotherham...Barnsley and Stockport are really really bad. I'm not fearing relegation as much as I did last year.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

23 October 2006
- It's nice to see midfielder James Harper voted to the Championship League Team of the Week for the first time this season.

25 October 2006
- Being that we're in the buying mood with a lot of money to spend we turn our attention to the Spurs 23 year old attacking midfielder Rohan Ricketts. Ricketts is currently transfer listed for $3.2 million and we have $2.6 available. His value sits at $5.6 million right now and in a rare turn of events our asst manager actually thinks he would be a useful addition. So being that Artim Sikiri is 33...we're might be in need some help soon.

28 October 2006
- Well Richie Wellens name came up in the press this week as he is once again not happy with his current club. Wellens thinks he needs to be on a bigger club yet again. I'll keep you posted.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Preston comes to town this week so that only means one thing…the match is gonna be on TV. I don't know what it is…but the public loves a good ol' Blackpool/Preston matchup. We're in another goal scoring rut so I've upped the tempo and made us a bit more attacking so we'll see what benefits that reaps us. Diafutua will get the start after his brilliant play last weekend and Andrea Guatelli will get his first start in goal in quite a while.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diafutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Clare / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	4	-	1	Preston
1st Half Notes
What a impressive first half for the Seasiders. Guathier Diafutua scored a hattrick leading us to scoring four goals all together. He started things off by taking a James Harper pass inside the box and putting it home just 10 minutes in. Then we benefited from a penalty kick by Artim Sakiri as he scored his first goal of the year. The just three minutes later Diafutua struck again as he put in a rebound from a James Harper shot. And then right before half he stole a bad pass from Preston keeper Lonergan and put in the 3rd. To make things worse for Preston...they missed a penalty kick in injury time.
2nd Half Notes
We pretty much played out the string in the 2nd half. Preston added a goal by Richard Cresswell and did have a lot of chances early in the half but the final 20 minutes ended without any incident.
Goals -	Gauthier Diafutua 10, Artim Sakiri pen30, Gauthier Diafutua 33, Gauthier Diafutua 45, Richard Cresswell 66
Man of the Match -	Gauthier Diafutua
Conditions -	Wet 39F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9055

Seasider News

After the match chairman Karl Oyston was delighted by beating our arch rivals Preston. Ahh...well it's about time someone clued me in that they were our rivals. Now all the TV appearances make sense. Duh.

29 October 2006
- The Spurs answer our inquiry about Rohan Ricketts. They say that they will take an offer of $3 million. Hmm...can't do that right now. Looking at the offer they are willing to take $1.7 million now and then $1.5 million over the next six months. I still don't think we can do that...but we'll try.

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	14	9	4	1	22	9	13	31
2	Sheff Utd	14	8	4	2	20	11	9	28
3	Crystal Palace	14	7	6	1	22	11	11	27
4	Ipswich	14	7	4	3	21	12	9	25
5	Millwall	14	7	3	4	27	19	8	24
6	Man City	14	7	3	4	18	10	8	24
7	Blackpool	14	7	3	4	17	12	5	24
8	Stoke	14	6	5	3	16	8	8	23
9	Cardiff	14	6	5	3	22	16	6	23
10	Wolves	14	6	4	4	19	14	5	22
11	Sheff Wed	14	6	3	5	25	20	5	21
12	Gillingham	14	5	6	3	16	13	3	21
13	Luton	14	6	3	5	17	15	2	21
14	QPR	14	6	3	5	16	18	-2	21
15	Derby	14	5	3	6	21	22	-1	18
16	Leeds	14	4	5	5	18	16	2	17
17	Burnley	14	4	4	6	17	22	-5	16
18	Preston	14	5	1	8	16	25	-9	16
19	Wigan	14	4	4	6	11	23	-12	16
20	West Ham	14	3	5	6	7	12	-5	14
21	Crewe	14	3	2	9	14	21	-7	11
22	Rotherham	14	2	2	10	11	23	-12	8
23	Barnsley	14	2	1	11	5	27	-22	7
24	Stockport	14	1	1	12	8	27	-19	4

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

30 October 2006
- For the first time since being in the Championship League...three of our players were chosen for the Team of the Week...Joseph Enakarhire...Emmerson Boyce and Gauthier Diafutua.
- We're also told today that four of our players will be called up for international duty for matches on November 11th and 15th:
Northern Ireland: Steven Davis
Nigeria: Joseph Enakarhire
Wales: Neil Roberts
Norway: Thomas Myhre

31 October 2006
- We've finally come to terms with Tottenham in regards to the transfer for Rohan Ricketts. Ricketts wants $10,500 per week...the max that we can offer is $9,800. But we up the signing bonus from $360,000 to $400,000...so let's see if he goes for it.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Today's match will be an interesting one. Stoke is currently sitting one spot behind us in the table at 8th...but that's not all that's interesting. The interesting part will be that we get to match up against former Seasider Keigan Parker. Parker has scored one goal in two games for Stoke. We are pretty healthy so most of the starters are in place for this one. Let's see if Neil Roberts can do anything in his 2nd appearance for us.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	4	-	2	Stoke
1st Half Notes
We like the new offensive minded Seasiders club. James Harper scored his first goal of the season as he headed in a Wayne Routledge cross just 19 minutes in. Then Stephen Crainey buried a penalty shot just 9 minutes later. Stoke struck back in the 36 minute however as Ade Akinbiyi scored on a nice feed to make it 2-1 at the half.
2nd Half Notes
I think we're gonna do what it takes to try and sign Gauthier Diafutua away from Watford. The young striker came on in the 80th minute for Neil Roberts and it took him four minutes to score the go ahead goal after Stoke had tied it up at the 63rd minute mark. Then just six minutes later he capitalized from a error by the Stoke keeper and buried his 2nd of the game to give us a 4-2 win.
Goals -	James Harper 19, Stephen Crainey pen28, Ade Akinbiyi 36, Rob Hulse 63, Gauthier Diafutua 84, Gauthier Diafutua 90
Man of the Match -	Stephen Crainey
Conditions -	Dry 37F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9059

[MikeVick7]

November 2006

Team Capsule
League Position:	5th in Championship League
Record:	8-3-4
Active Tournament(s):	None
Wage Total:	$74,929
Wage Budget:	$98,000
Transfer Budget Available	$2,587,963
Transfer Budget:	$2,587,963
Balance:	$9,410,171

1 November 2006
- 33 year old winger Jean-Louis Valois from Burnley was named the Championship Player of the Month. Gauthier Diafutua came in third.
- And Gauthier Diafutua was named the Championship Young Player of the Month. And our own midfielder Wayne Routledge finished 2nd.
- Thanks to our recent four game win streak...I earn my first Championship Mirror Manager of the Month award.

4 November 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We luck out again today with facing a bad team on the road. Rotherham is currently 22nd in the league and not having the season they were hoping for. The only real change in today's lineup will be sticking Andrea Guatelli in goal. We'll have a two week rest after this match.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Rotherham	2	-	2	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Not quite the first half we were counting on. Rotherham controlled the majority of the half as they outshot us 7-2 and they scored the match's only goal to boot. A header by Harpal Singh just 21 minutes into it.
2nd Half Notes
Well…I think the Neil Roberts experiment might be over before it really got started. We were down 2-0 when we substituted Diafutua for Roberts. Things then started to role Steven Davis took a Harper cross and volleyed it in to make it 2-1 at 80 minutes. Then a Boyce cross at the 86th minute was headed in by you guessed it Guathier Diafutua to make it even at 2-2. But that's how it ended. Guess we'll take the point after our horrendous start.
Goals -	Harpal 21, Will Hoskins 59, Steven Davis 80, Gauthier Diafutua 86
Man of the Match -	Andrea Guatelli
Conditions -	Dry 39F
Venue -	Millmoor, Rotherham
Attendance -	9792

5 November 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	16	11	4	1	25	9	16	37
2	Sheff Utd	16	9	4	3	22	13	9	31
3	Crystal Palace	16	8	6	2	26	15	11	30
4	Man City	16	9	3	4	22	11	11	30
5	Cardiff	16	8	5	3	27	18	9	29
6	Blackpool	16	8	4	4	23	16	7	28
7	Ipswich	16	7	5	4	23	16	7	26
8	Millwall	16	7	4	5	29	22	7	25
9	Gillingham	16	6	7	3	18	14	4	25
10	QPR	16	7	4	5	19	19	0	25
11	Sheff Wed	16	7	3	6	27	22	5	24
12	Wolves	16	6	6	4	20	15	5	24
13	Leeds	16	6	5	5	21	16	5	23
14	Stoke	16	6	5	5	19	14	5	23
15	Luton	16	6	4	6	18	18	0	22
16	Derby	16	5	4	7	23	25	-2	19
17	Burnley	16	5	4	7	21	25	-4	19
18	Preston	16	6	1	9	18	28	-10	19
19	Wigan	16	5	4	7	13	25	-12	19
20	West Ham	16	3	6	7	8	14	-6	15
21	Crewe	16	3	3	10	15	24	-9	12
22	Barnsley	16	3	1	12	10	32	-22	10
23	Rotherham	16	2	3	11	14	27	-13	9
24	Stockport	16	1	1	14	8	31	-23	4

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

6 November 2006
- Andrea Guatelli and Leam Richardson were selected to the Championship Team of the Week.
- Ok earlier in the week we ran into a bit of a problem in that we were about $400,000 short in transfer funds to acquire Rohan Ricketts...so we decided that his value was greater to our squad than our younger centre back Matthew Lawlor. So we transfer listed Lawlor for $1.9 million and Rotherham showed interest. So if we can get that deal to to through...then we get land Ricketts. Make sense?

9 November 2006
- And our grand plan falls through. Lawlor agrees to sign with Rotherham but Rotherham...much like us...cannot afford the $1.9 million transfer fee.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

15 November 2006
- Although we can't quite work a deal with the Spurs for Ricketts right now...we noticed during the week that Millwall had put in a loan bid for him...even though he was not listed for loan. So not to lose our guy...we also put in a loan offer and offered to pay half of his wages. Hopefully that will put us over the top.

18 November 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We finish off the month with a string of tough matches beginning tonight on the road against Ipswich. Ipswich is just one spot behind us in the table and are playing well. Gauthier Diafutua will be in the starting lineup until further notice.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diafutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Ipswich	0	-	2	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
A very surprising 1st half against Ipswich. We controlled the action as we outshot them 11-5 and two of the 11 shots ended up in goals. Steven Davis scored on a rocket from 25 yards away and then Gauthier scored on a great feed form Harper for his 8th goal of the season to make it 2-0.
2nd Half Notes
What a great match all around for this team. We put up 20 shot while limiting Ipswich to just nine and better yet…shutting them out. Nothing too eventful happened in the 2nd half…but we did dominate in the shot dept.
Goals -	Steven Davis 25, Gauthier Diafutua 33
Man of the Match -	Joseph Enakarhire
Conditions -	Breezy, Wet 48F
Venue -	Portman Road, Ipswich
Attendance -	26261

+ Physio Report +

- Midfielder Nick Montgomery suffered a shin bruise in the match on Saturday and will miss about five days.
- On Sunday fullback Leam Richardson twisted his ankle during training and will miss the next two weeks.

- And good news after the match...Tottenham has accepted our loan offer for attacking midfielder Rohan Ricketts.

19 November 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	17	12	4	1	28	10	18	40
2	Sheff Utd	17	10	4	3	25	13	12	34
3	Man City	17	10	3	4	24	11	13	33
4	Crystal Palace	17	8	7	2	26	15	11	31
5	Blackpool	17	9	4	4	25	16	9	31
6	Cardiff	17	8	6	3	28	19	9	30
7	Gillingham	17	7	7	3	21	15	6	28
8	Ipswich	17	7	5	5	23	18	5	26
9	QPR	17	7	5	5	21	21	0	26
10	Millwall	17	7	4	6	29	24	5	25
11	Sheff Wed	17	7	4	6	27	22	5	25
12	Stoke	17	6	6	5	19	14	5	24
13	Wolves	17	6	6	5	21	18	3	24
14	Leeds	17	6	5	6	21	18	3	23
15	Derby	17	6	4	7	25	25	0	22
16	Luton	17	6	4	7	18	19	-1	22
17	Preston	17	6	2	9	19	29	-10	20
18	Burnley	17	5	4	8	23	29	-6	19
19	Wigan	17	5	4	8	14	28	-14	19
20	West Ham	17	3	7	7	8	14	-6	16
21	Crewe	17	4	3	10	19	26	-7	15
22	Rotherham	17	3	3	11	15	27	-12	12
23	Barnsley	17	3	2	12	12	34	-22	11
24	Stockport	17	1	1	15	8	34	-26	4

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

20 November 2006
- Both centre backs were named to the Championship Team of the Week...Wayne Thomas and Joseph Enarkarhire. These two have really gelled into a nice combo in the middle for us now.

21 November 2006
- We were informed today that our match on January 13th against Burnley has been pushed back to 5:30 because it's being picked up for live TV coverage. Everyone loves us right now.
- Terrible news here. Rohan Ricketts has chosen to play on loan for Millwall?? Dude...seriously...what are you thinking??

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
This will be our toughest match of the season so far. We take on recently relegated Man City who currently sits 3rd in the league. We're on a role and our moral is high…so we could possibly pull the upset in this one. We're still a big underdog in the oddsmakers eyes however. We're gonna give Neil Roberts another chance in this one. I think his lack of speed is really costing him...so what we did was put him in the playmaker role so that he'll hold the ball and wait for the build up.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Southern / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	1	Man City
1st Half Notes
We got off to a horrible start allowing Stephane Henchoz to score just three minutes into this one…but overall we didn't play too badly in the 1st half. We actually outshot Man City 6-3…but couldn't get any to go. Neil Roberts had a real good chance near the end of the half but put it over the crossbar.
2nd Half Notes
The 2nd half went by without too much excitement. We had a few more opportunities but couldn't get one to go. We played decent defense and outshot them 12-5. Gotta get em next time.
Goals -	Stephane Henchoz 3
Man of the Match -	Trevor Sinclair - Man City
Conditions -	Dry 37F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9051

23 November 2006

+ Physio Report +

- Tireless midfielder Keith Southern twisted his knee in training today and will be out for approximately one week.

24 November 2006
- Watford has rejected our $300,000 bid for Gauthier Diafutua. After looking at his international experience he is not on France's international team...so our chances of getting him outside of a loan are pretty dim. We'll look elsewhere.

25 November 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
The Wolves have run into some hard times as of late as they are currently 13th in the Championship table. Despite our loss on Tuesday we're still feeling pretty good about ourselves so far this season. But even though we seem to have the upper hand in this match...the oddsmakers have still made the Wolves a slight favorite.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Southern / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Wolves	2	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
I learned fast in this game that if you were going to be successul you had to be good at the corners/crossing game. And that accounts for both sides of the ball. Wolves are a classic example of this kind of game. They scored two goals in the first half. One being from a cross. But we did counter just four minutes later as Artim Sakiri sent in a corner kick to the head of centre back Wayne Thomas who scored his first goal as a Seasider. A real even first half with Wolves leading 2-1.
2nd Half Notes
Wolves went defensvie in the 2nd half and we couldn't get the equalizer to go. Both teams had 12 shots in the game.
Goals -	Kenny Miller 7, Kevin Cooper 38, Wayne Thomas 42
Man of the Match -	Seol Ki-Hyeon
Conditions -	Wet 41F
Venue -	Molineux, Wolverhampton
Attendance -	24548

+ Physio Report +

- Steven Davis injured his elbow during the match on Saturday and will miss about a week.

26 November 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	19	12	6	1	30	12	18	42
2	Man City	19	12	3	4	27	11	16	39
3	Sheff Utd	19	11	5	3	28	14	14	38
4	Crystal Palace	19	9	8	2	28	16	12	35
5	Cardiff	19	9	6	4	29	21	8	33
6	Blackpool	19	9	4	6	26	19	7	31
7	Gillingham	19	7	9	3	22	16	6	30
8	QPR	19	8	6	5	22	21	1	30
9	Millwall	19	8	5	6	30	24	6	29
10	Ipswich	19	8	5	6	26	21	5	29
11	Wolves	19	7	7	5	24	20	4	28
12	Leeds	19	7	6	6	26	21	5	27
13	Sheff Wed	19	7	5	7	28	25	3	26
14	Stoke	19	6	6	7	19	16	3	24
15	Luton	19	6	6	7	21	22	-1	24
16	Wigan	19	6	5	8	18	30	-12	23
17	Derby	19	6	4	9	26	30	-4	22
18	Burnley	19	6	4	9	26	32	-6	22
19	Preston	19	6	4	9	21	31	-10	22
20	Crewe	19	5	4	10	24	30	-6	19
21	West Ham	19	3	7	9	8	18	-10	16
22	Barnsley	19	4	3	12	15	34	-19	15
23	Rotherham	19	3	4	12	15	28	-13	13
24	Stockport	19	1	2	16	10	37	-27	5

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

29 November 2006
- When searching for some transfer listed players I came across winger Dean Marney...who I just happened to see play for Tottenham...IRL...this weekend and tear it up. Anyway...his value right now is at $4 million and they're listing him for $900,000. We put in a $750,000 bid. And John Sutton a striker from Millwall is not listed but currently unhappy was also bid for. He was listed for $280,000. We offered $300,000.

[MikeVick7]

December 2006

Team Capsule
League Position:	6th in Championship League
Record:	9-4-6
Active Tournament(s):	None
Wage Total:	$75,712
Wage Budget:	$98,000
Transfer Budget Available	$2,587,963
Transfer Budget:	$2,587,963
Balance:	$8,973,969

1 December 2006
- Crewe's striker Dean Ashton was named the Championship Player of the Month. Our Wayne Thomas finished 3rd.

2 December 2006
- Millwall has accepted our transfer offer for 22 year old John Sutton. Sutton wants a modest $3,600 per week for three years and a three year deal. We think that's fair.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Sheff Utd is another team that was relegated from the Premiership this year and currently they sit 3rd in the league. We've done ok as of late against some of the top dogs (1-0-2)…but it would be nice to get out of this stretch of tough matches with a win at home.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diaftutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Bullock / Harper / Southern / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	1	Sheff Utd
1st Half Notes
We played real even until right before half when Alan Quinn scored from inside the box and through traffic at the 45th minute. Otherwise shots are even on both sides at six apiece.
2nd Half Notes
We could only muster two shots in the 2nd half and we lose our 3rd straight. Both teams could only muster two shots each in the 2nd half.
Goals -	Alan Quinn 45
Man of the Match -	Alan Quinn
Conditions -	Dry 44F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9040

- Wayne Thomas picked up his 5th yellow card and will be suspended for our next match.

3 December 2006
- Tottenham have said that they want $750,000 for Dean Marney...which is what I thought we offered in the first place?? Anyway..we accept.

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	20	12	6	2	31	14	17	42
2	Sheff Utd	20	12	5	3	29	14	15	41
3	Man City	20	12	3	5	27	13	14	39
4	Crystal Palace	20	9	9	2	29	17	12	36
5	Cardiff	20	9	6	5	29	22	7	33
6	QPR	20	9	6	5	24	21	3	33
7	Millwall	20	9	5	6	31	24	7	32
8	Blackpool	20	9	4	7	26	20	6	31
9	Gillingham	20	7	10	3	23	17	6	31
10	Wolves	20	8	7	5	25	20	5	31
11	Leeds	20	8	6	6	29	22	7	30
12	Ipswich	20	8	6	6	27	22	5	30
13	Sheff Wed	20	8	5	7	30	26	4	29
14	Stoke	20	6	7	7	20	17	3	25
15	Burnley	20	7	4	9	29	34	-5	25
16	Preston	20	7	4	9	25	32	-7	25
17	Luton	20	6	6	8	21	23	-2	24
18	Wigan	20	6	5	9	18	31	-13	23
19	Crewe	20	6	4	10	25	30	-5	22
20	Derby	20	6	4	10	27	34	-7	22
21	West Ham	20	4	7	9	9	18	-9	19
22	Barnsley	20	4	3	13	16	37	-21	15
23	Rotherham	20	3	4	13	17	31	-14	13
24	Stockport	20	1	2	17	10	38	-28	5

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

4 December 2006
- The draw for the 3rd round of the FA Cup was held today and our opponent will be Leeds of the Championship League...and we play at their place. Another tournament draw in which we do not get a break.

5 December 2006
- Striker John Sutton has agreed to terms to come to Blackpool. The 22 year old fits the "power striker" type that we're looking for this year. He'll be in a rotation until Diafutua's loan is finished.

6 December 2006
- Tranmere...who currently sit 2nd in League One...want to loan our our star defender Matthew Lawlor for a 3 month period. We definitely accept.
- Great...now Plymouth from League One have made a $1.05 transfer offer to the Spurs Dean Marney.
- Despite that offer...Marney still sits down at the table with us and listens to our offer. We offer him $7,500 per week for three years and a $260,000 signing bonus.

8 December 2006

+ Physio Report +

- A semi-blow today as Martin Bullock suffered a torn groin muscle which will put him out of action for four weeks.

9 December 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We're on a bit of a slide as we've lost our last three matches…but they've been against the top flight teams in the league. And today it's not gonna be any easier as we take on THE top team in the Championship…Nottingham Forest. It hasn't been all rosy for Forest though because they've been 0-1-1 in the last two games. Add to the fact that the game is on the road today...but we're fresh...let's see what happens.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diaftutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Southern / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / McGregor / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Nottm Forest	3	-	0	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Things did not get off on the right foot when just 20 minutes into the game winger Wayne Routledge was sent off with a red card after he tackled an opposing player with both feet. So let's see…we're already down one goal…we're on the road…and we're down one player. This does not bode well at all. Andriy Pereplyotkin scored both goals for Forest.
2nd Half Notes
We had no chance in hell of winning this one after Routledge was sent off. We played admireably in the 2nd half just giving up a goal in the 90th minute. But yet…we suffered our fourth loss in a row.
Goals -	Andriy Pereplyotkin 16, Andriy Pereplyotkin 25, Jon-Paul Pittman 90
Man of the Match -	Mickey Bell - Forest
Conditions -	Dry 37F
Venue -	The City Ground, Nottingham
Attendance -	27826

Seasider News

- Wayne Routledge is goint to be suspended for one match due to his red card. For some reason this is the first time that I've noticed that you can appeal those suspensions. Way to pay attention dork!!

10 December 2006
- And how about this for some outstanding news...winger Dean Marney has agreed to terms with us. He rejected the deal with Plymouth. We likey.
- Marney spoke of the move in the papers and compared his stay at White Hart lane to hell. Well come on down to heaven. Ok that was cheesey.

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	21	13	6	2	34	14	20	45
2	Sheff Utd	21	13	5	3	31	15	16	44
3	Man City	21	13	3	5	28	13	15	42
4	Crystal Palace	21	9	9	3	29	18	11	36
5	Millwall	21	10	5	6	33	25	8	35
6	QPR	21	9	7	5	25	22	3	34
7	Cardiff	21	9	6	6	30	24	6	33
8	Gillingham	21	7	11	3	23	17	6	32
9	Wolves	21	8	8	5	26	21	5	32
10	Leeds	21	8	7	6	30	23	7	31
11	Blackpool	21	9	4	8	26	23	3	31
12	Ipswich	21	8	6	7	29	26	3	30
13	Sheff Wed	21	8	5	8	31	28	3	29
14	Stoke	21	6	8	7	20	17	3	26
15	Preston	21	7	5	9	26	33	-7	26
16	Wigan	21	7	5	9	20	31	-11	26
17	Crewe	21	7	4	10	29	30	-1	25
18	Luton	21	6	7	8	21	23	-2	25
19	Derby	21	7	4	10	31	36	-5	25
20	Burnley	21	7	4	10	29	35	-6	25
21	West Ham	21	4	7	10	9	22	-13	19
22	Rotherham	21	4	4	13	18	31	-13	16
23	Barnsley	21	4	3	14	16	39	-23	15
24	Stockport	21	1	3	17	10	38	-28	6

[GoldenEagle]

Originally Posted by MikeVick7

- Watford has rejected our $300,000 bid for Gauthier Diafutua. After looking at his international experience he is not on France's international team...so our chances of getting him outside of a loan are pretty dim. We'll look elsewhere.

France is a EU country and therefore, you do not have to get a work permit for him.

Also, a minimuim release fee clause stats that a player can be sold for that price at any time. For example, if a player has a $2 mil min. fee release clause and another team offers $2mil you have to accept it.

[MikeVick7]

Originally Posted by GoldenEagle

France is a EU country and therefore, you do not have to get a work permit for him.

Also, a minimuim release fee clause stats that a player can be sold for that price at any time. For example, if a player has a $2 mil min. fee release clause and another team offers $2mil you have to accept it.

Thanks for the clarification on both of those. Guess I'll have to try and go after him again.

And I would have never thought that about the minimum release clause. Initially I thought that it was an extra fee you would have to pay the club if you bought him on transfer. Then I thought it was a fee that if you ever just decided to terminate/release the player you would have to pay "him" that fee. I never thought about it in this way. Thanks.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

11 December 2006
- We appeal our first suspension and the FA doesn't think I have valid grounds for the appeal of Wayne Rutledge. We it didn't hurt to try guys.

12 December 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Well I don't care if we're playing the 5th best team in the league…we need a win here after dropping four in a row now. Because of Wayne Routledge's suspension…that opens the door for Dean Marney to get the start at AMR. We also welcome back Wayne Thomas after his one game suspension.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diaftutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Marney
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	2	Millwall
1st Half Notes
Not a very encouraging first half. Millwall controlled the majority of the action and got a goal to go in the 25th minute by Blessing Kaku. We had a couple of chances towards the end of the first half…so maybe we're coming around.
2nd Half Notes
Uninspiring really. I thought we would have an outside shot at grabbing a playoff spot this year…but I don't think that's possible now.
Goals -	Blessing Kaku 25, Rowan Vine 88
Man of the Match -	Blessing Kaku
Conditions -	Dry 46F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	8224

16 December 2006
- Wow...today we get news that Wayne Routledge is now banned for two matches. Good lord people...he's a good kid.
- Steven Davis is also suspended for this match because he reached his yellow card limit.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Today's match vs Luton is a tough one. Luton is not as strong as us…but we're in a severe funk and we have to play this one at their place. Plus we have two starting midfielders on suspension…Davis and Routledge. Southern and Marney are in their place.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Sakiri / Southern / Harper / Montgomery / Marney
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Luton	2	-	0	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Just a whole lotta nothin right now. Maybe we're going through the too many new faces and so everything is a jumbled mess right now syndrome. Anyway…Luton scores two goals…one was on a deep cross from just inside the midfield line that actually just went in the net by Kevin Foley. We're down 2-0 at the half.
2nd Half Notes
The 2nd half offered the continuing trend of a whole lotta nothin. Just a lot of confusion out there right now. No real chances for either team in the half.
Goals -	Steve Howard 21, Kevin Foley 40
Man of the Match -	Keith Keane - Luton
Conditions -	Wet 57F
Venue -	Kenilworth Road, Luton
Attendance -	9330

17 December 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Sheff Utd	23	15	5	3	35	16	19	50
2	Nottm Forest	23	13	8	2	35	15	20	47
3	Man City	23	14	4	5	33	17	16	46
4	Millwall	23	11	6	6	36	26	10	39
5	Crystal Palace	23	9	11	3	33	22	11	38
6	Leeds	23	10	7	6	37	24	13	37
7	Cardiff	23	9	8	6	31	25	6	35
8	QPR	23	9	8	6	27	25	2	35
9	Wolves	23	8	10	5	28	23	5	34
10	Sheff Wed	23	9	6	8	34	30	4	33
11	Gillingham	23	7	11	5	24	20	4	32
12	Blackpool	23	9	4	10	26	27	-1	31
13	Ipswich	23	8	7	8	29	31	-2	31
14	Wigan	23	8	6	9	24	32	-8	30
15	Luton	23	7	8	8	25	25	0	29
16	Preston	23	8	5	10	30	37	-7	29
17	Crewe	23	8	4	11	31	31	0	28
18	Stoke	23	6	9	8	21	19	2	27
19	Derby	23	7	5	11	31	38	-7	26
20	Burnley	23	7	5	11	30	38	-8	26
21	Rotherham	23	6	4	13	21	31	-10	22
22	West Ham	23	5	7	11	12	27	-15	22
23	Barnsley	23	5	3	15	19	42	-23	18
24	Stockport	23	1	3	19	10	41	-31	6

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

22 December 2006
- James Foran has finished his loan with Morecambe. He appeared in 8 games with no goals and one assist. He had an avg rating of just 6.50.

23 December 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We're in the middle of our worst streak ever I believe. We've lost six straight matches now and in those six matches we've only scored one goal and been shutout in the last four. I think we're done tweakin the lineup for a while. We need to build up a little team cohesion once again. Today we go against a surprisingly strong Sheff Wed who have improved their team about as much as we have this season. Career we are 2-1-2 against them.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diafutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Marney
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Sheff Wed	2	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
I was really proud of my team for about the first 43 minutes of the first half. We fell behind after a Shaun Bartlett goal at the 27 minute mark…but then answered with our first goal in 8 halves as Gauthier Diafutua took a James Harper pass and buried it for his 9th. But then Sheff Wed came back just five minutes later and scored to make it 2-1 at the half.
2nd Half Notes
Let's make that seven in a row. We did however improve our offensive play in this game. We had 15 total shots and 8 of them were on goal. So good production…just gotta take the lid off the goal mouth.
Goals -	Shaun Barlett 27, Gauthier Diafutua 38, Steven MacLean 43
Man of the Match -	James Harper
Conditions -	Wet 41F
Venue -	Hillsborough, Sheffield
Attendance -	26127

Seasider News

- Our yellow card troubles conitinue. Just when we get Wayne Routledge back after his 3??? match ban...James Harper reaches his yellow card limit and we lose him next match.
- Let's throw in a little transfer speculation. Wigan boss Jan Molby has expressed his interest in centre back Joseph Enakarhire. I issue a hands off warning.

24 December 2006
- Following the speculation...Enakarhire told a football website that he would listen to any offers but it would take a sizeable offer to lure him away.

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	24	14	8	2	39	16	23	50
2	Sheff Utd	24	15	5	4	36	18	18	50
3	Man City	24	14	5	5	34	18	16	47
4	Crystal Palace	24	10	11	3	35	23	12	41
5	Millwall	24	11	7	6	37	27	10	40
6	Cardiff	24	10	8	6	33	26	7	38
7	Leeds	24	10	7	7	37	25	12	37
8	Sheff Wed	24	10	6	8	36	31	5	36
9	QPR	24	9	9	6	28	26	2	36
10	Wolves	24	8	11	5	28	23	5	35
11	Gillingham	24	7	12	5	24	20	4	33
12	Ipswich	24	8	8	8	32	34	-2	32
13	Preston	24	9	5	10	32	38	-6	32
14	Blackpool	24	9	4	11	27	29	-2	31
15	Wigan	24	8	7	9	25	33	-8	31
16	Luton	24	7	8	9	26	27	-1	29
17	Stoke	24	6	10	8	22	20	2	28
18	Crewe	24	8	4	12	32	33	-1	28
19	Derby	24	7	6	11	32	39	-7	27
20	Burnley	24	7	5	12	31	42	-11	26
21	Rotherham	24	7	4	13	22	31	-9	25
22	West Ham	24	5	8	11	15	30	-15	23
23	Barnsley	24	5	3	16	19	44	-25	18
24	Stockport	24	2	3	19	12	41	-29	9

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

25 December 2006
- Despite our recent woes...midfielder James Harper was selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

26 December 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Not sure what to think at this moment. The schedule makers weren't too kind to us as we play our 3rd straight road game and we're trying to break this seven game losing streak. Our stat man tells me that if we lose today that we'll break our previous record of most losses in a row. The badboy Wayne Routledge is back in the lineup today across from his future starting mate in Dean Marney...who has not performed well in his first three games sporting a 6.00 avg. But he really did perform well in the 2nd half of our last match...so he's finding his groove.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Southern / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	QPR	1	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Yawn…one of the more uneventful first halves of the season. QPR continued to hit us while we're down by scoring just five minutes into the game on a Malcolm Christie turnaround.
2nd Half Notes
You know…god bless this Diafatua kid. Sometimes it seems like he's the only one that can get anything done out there. He single-handedly tied this game up on a solo effort in the 74th minute. He outfought the QPR keeper for the ball in the box and knocked home his 10th of the season. We finally break the losing streak at seven and get a point.
Goals -	Malcolm Christie 5, Gauthier Diafutua 74
Man of the Match -	Wayne Thomas
Conditions -	Dry 42F
Venue -	Loftus Road, London
Attendance -	16965

Seasider News

- Man we got some badasses on this team. With his 5th yellow card...Dean Marney will have a one game suspension.

30 December 2006

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Well God bless Stockport. This poor team is sitting last in the table and sports a record of 2-3-20. But even though we're back at Bloomfield Road…we're not the hottest thing on two wheels either…so we need to come out and set the tone early. Artim Sakiri back at the left wing and James Harper...our playmaker...is back in the lineup as well. Joseph Enakarhire is unvailable due to international duty.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Diafutua
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / McGregor / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	2	-	0	Stockport
1st Half Notes
My suggestion to all struggling teams out there…schedule the worst team in the league as soon as possible. Stockport made us feel real good about ourselves in that half allowing two goals within the first nine minutes. Steven Davis and Emmerson Boyce each sent in crosses to Gauthier Diafutua who rose above everyone to score both goals in the first half.
2nd Half Notes
We pretty much mailed in the 2nd half but that's just fine with us. We ended up with 20 shots on goal as compared to Stockport's two and none of those were on goal. Finally we get a good week with a win and a draw.
Goals -	Gauthier Diafutua 6, Gauthier Diafutua 9
Man of the Match -	Steven Davis
Conditions -	Dry 51
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9078

- Billy Dearden reports to us that Joseph Enakarhire played well in the match against Zambia...but didn't particularily stick out.

31 December 2006

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Nottm Forest	26	15	9	2	42	18	24	54
2	Sheff Utd	26	16	5	5	41	23	18	53
3	Man City	26	14	5	7	36	23	13	47
4	Crystal Palace	26	11	11	4	36	24	12	44
5	Millwall	26	12	8	6	40	29	11	44
6	Cardiff	26	12	8	6	38	28	10	44
7	Leeds	26	12	7	7	45	29	16	43
8	Wolves	26	10	11	5	31	23	8	41
9	Sheff Wed	26	11	6	9	39	34	5	39
10	QPR	26	9	11	6	29	27	2	38
11	Blackpool	26	10	5	11	30	30	0	35
12	Preston	26	10	5	11	37	40	-3	35
13	Wigan	26	9	7	10	27	34	-7	34
14	Gillingham	26	7	12	7	24	23	1	33
15	Ipswich	26	8	8	10	32	41	-9	32
16	Crewe	26	9	4	13	36	36	0	31
17	Luton	26	7	9	10	26	28	-2	30
18	Stoke	26	6	11	9	23	23	0	29
19	Derby	26	7	7	12	34	43	-9	28
20	Rotherham	26	8	4	14	25	34	-9	28
21	Burnley	26	7	6	13	33	45	-12	27
22	West Ham	26	6	9	11	18	32	-14	27
23	Barnsley	26	7	3	16	23	45	-22	24
24	Stockport	26	2	3	21	12	45	-33	9

[MikeVick7]

January 2007

Team Capsule
League Position:	11th in Championship League
Record:	10-5-11
Active Tournament(s):	3rd Round FA Cup
Wage Total:	$85,149
Wage Budget:	$98,000
Transfer Budget Available	$1,537,964
Transfer Budget:	$2,587,963
Balance:	$7,715,883

1 January 2007
- The January transfer window is now open. We're gonna sit tight for the time being unless something just slaps us in the face.
- Fullback Leam Richardson suffered a groin strain during training this week and will be out up to two weeks.
- Here are the annual football awards:
World Footballer of the Year - Thierry Henry
World Player of the Year - Thierry Henry
European Footballer of the Year - Thierry Henry
European Goalkeeper of the Year - Iker Casillas
European Defender of the Year - Dede
European Midfielder of the Year - Dede Huh?
European Striker of the Year - Thierry Henry
- Leeds United's El-Hadji Diouf has been named the Championship Player of the Month.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We finally got our win and so we've picked up a little momentum heading into a tough match against Cardiff. This is a Monday match and we just played two days ago…so we're a little winded…but so is Cardiff. John Sutton will start up front today as he hasn't had much of a chance to get things going. And we welcome back Joseph Enakarhire to the centre back position as well. Let's see if Thomas Myhre can get back in the grove at goal...he's really struggled in his last few matches.
Starting Line-up:
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Clare
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	2	-	0	Cardiff
1st Half Notes
What a difference a little boost in morale has on a team. It was a fairly competitive 1st half but with our new found confidence we got our shots to go. James Harper completely unloaded on one from about 30 yards out to go up 1-0. Then Dean Marney scored his first goal as a Seasider from the left side of the box to make the score 2-0 at the half.
2nd Half Notes
The 2nd half was nothing to write home about…but we held Cardiff scoreless to preserve the win. Cardiff outshot us 13-9 but only two of the shots were on goal. That's two in a row for us.
Goals -	James Harper 21, Dean Marney 26
Man of the Match -	Wayne Thomas
Conditions -	Dry 48F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9057

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Sheff Utd	27	17	5	5	44	23	21	56
2	Nottm Forest	27	15	10	2	42	18	24	55
3	Man City	27	15	5	7	40	24	16	50
4	Crystal Palace	27	12	11	4	37	24	13	47
5	Leeds	27	12	8	7	45	29	16	44
6	Millwall	27	12	8	7	40	30	10	44
7	Cardiff	27	12	8	7	38	30	8	44
8	Wolves	27	10	12	5	31	23	8	42
9	QPR	27	10	11	6	31	27	4	41
10	Sheff Wed	27	11	6	10	39	36	3	39
11	Blackpool	27	11	5	11	32	30	2	38
12	Preston	27	11	5	11	39	41	-2	38
13	Ipswich	27	9	8	10	34	41	-7	35
14	Crewe	27	10	4	13	39	38	1	34
15	Gillingham	27	7	13	7	24	23	1	34
16	Wigan	27	9	7	11	28	38	-10	34
17	Luton	27	7	10	10	26	28	-2	31
18	West Ham	27	7	9	11	19	32	-13	30
19	Stoke	27	6	11	10	25	26	-1	29
20	Rotherham	27	8	4	15	25	35	-10	28
21	Derby	27	7	7	13	34	46	-12	28
22	Burnley	27	7	7	13	33	45	-12	28
23	Barnsley	27	7	3	17	23	47	-24	24
24	Stockport	27	2	3	22	13	47	-34	9

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

2 January 2007
- The loan for striker Gauthier Diafutua is set to end in a few days. He's been our leading scorer with 12 goals so far and we really don't want to see him go. We're gonna try to extend the loan.

6 January 2007
- Well super...Watford has rejected our loan extension for Diafutua. I guess we'll just have to try and out and out buy him. We offer $300,000 for him.

7 January 2007
- Semi-big blow as we lose fullback Stephen Crainey for two weeks with a groin straing.

FA Cup 3rd Round
Preview
Well we won our first Carling Cup tournament match this year…and now we're going to attempt to win our first match in the FA Cup. This one is not going to be so easy because we have to play at Leeds who currently sits 5th in the Championship League table. Gauthier Diafutua has gone back to Watford for the time being...so we'll have to see if Watford will budge with our transfer offer. Dean Marney will assume his role as starting AML and then we bring a more refreshed Sakiri off the bench.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Clare / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Leeds	1	-	2	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
We came out firing on all cylinders in the first half with 12 shots but couldn't get any to go. Leeds looked a little shell-shocked for about the first half hour…then calmed down and got some shots off of their own but nothing too threatening.
2nd Half Notes
We may have found a role for are veteran winger Artim Sakiri…clutch subsitute. With Leeds leading 1-0 after a Barry Corr goal just 2 minutes into the 2nd half…Sakiri entered the match and scored on a free kick and penalty kick just eight minutes apart to give us our first FA Cup victory.
Goals -	Barry Corr 47, Artim Sakiri 76, Artim Sakiri pen88
Man of the Match -	Artim Sakiri
Conditions -	Wet 44F
Venue -	Elland Road, Leeds
Attendance -	32470

Seasider News

- With the victory we've been awarded $90,000.

8 January 2007
- The draw for the 4th round of the FA Cup was held today and we get to go back to Bloomfield Road and face off against the Wolves. The match will be played on January 20th.

9 January 2007
- Reserve midfielder Simon Wiles just finished up his loan at Accrington where he appeared in seven games and had one assist. His avg rating was 6.25.

11 January 2007
- In somewhat surprising news...Watford has accepted our $300,000 loan offer for striker Guathier Diafutua. Diafutua states that he wants $6,200 per week for three years and a $18,000 signing bonus. We counter with $5,000 and we'll see what he says.

13 January 2007
- Good lord...Le S.C.B. has made a $2.1 million dollar offer for Diafutua. Umm...we offered Watford $300,000. I'm glad that we got our foot in the door. Now it's questionable as to whether he will accept our wage offer.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
The TV loves us as we play our 2nd straight game on the tube. Today's match is against 22nd place Burnley. Obviously having their problems this season. With a week between our last match we go with the same starting lineup as our FA Cup win with the exception of Andrea Guatelli in goal to keep his form up.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Clare / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	3	-	1	Burnley
1st Half Notes
We came out like a house of fire for the 2nd match in a row and we capitalized on a timid Burnley squad by scoring two goals within the first 13 minutes. Newly acquired John Sutton headed in crosses from Emmerson Boyce and Steven Davis for his first two goals for the Seasiders. His first cross was from the top of the keeper box. But then Burnley settled down and got a goal from Jonathan Douglas at the 22 minute mark to make it 2-1 at the half.
2nd Half Notes
We get another goal just six minutes into the half from Dean Marney…our third goal scored on a header in the match. Two negatives are that John Sutton and Artim Sakiri both suffered injuries and had to leave the pitch. We'll see what the severity is after the match.
Goals -	John Sutton 11, John Sutton 13, Jonathan Douglas 22, Dean Marney 51
Man of the Match -	Emmerson Boyce
Conditions -	Dry 55F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9055

+ Physio Report +

- We weren't too happy to find out that John Sutton will just miss a week with a strained wrist and Artim Sakiri will miss three weeks with a back strain.

14 January 2007
- Despite his injury...Artim Sakiri was in a good mood according to asst Billy Dearden because of the comments that I made to the media concerning his absence. Maybe that will speed up his recovery?

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Sheff Utd	28	18	5	5	47	24	23	59
2	Nottm Forest	28	15	10	3	42	19	23	55
3	Man City	28	16	5	7	43	25	18	53
4	Crystal Palace	28	13	11	4	40	26	14	50
5	Leeds	28	13	8	7	46	29	17	47
6	Wolves	28	11	12	5	34	23	11	45
7	Millwall	28	12	9	7	40	30	10	45
8	Cardiff	28	12	8	8	38	31	7	44
9	QPR	28	11	11	6	32	27	5	44
10	Blackpool	28	12	5	11	35	31	4	41
11	Preston	28	12	5	11	41	41	0	41
12	Sheff Wed	28	11	6	11	41	39	2	39
13	Gillingham	28	7	14	7	25	24	1	35
14	Ipswich	28	9	8	11	35	44	-9	35
15	Crewe	28	10	4	14	40	41	-1	34
16	Wigan	28	9	7	12	29	41	-12	34
17	Luton	28	7	11	10	27	29	-2	32
18	Rotherham	28	9	4	15	27	35	-8	31
19	West Ham	28	7	9	12	19	35	-16	30
20	Stoke	28	6	11	11	25	28	-3	29
21	Derby	28	7	8	13	34	46	-12	29
22	Burnley	28	7	7	14	34	48	-14	28
23	Barnsley	28	7	3	18	23	49	-26	24
24	Stockport	28	3	3	22	16	48	-32	12

[MikeVick7]

+ Physio Report +

15 January 2007
- We find out that we suffer another injury blow as winger Martin Bullock fractured his wrist in training on Monday and will be out for about a month.

Seasider News

- On a good note...fullback Emmerson Boyce was selected to the Championship Team of the Week.

17 January 2007
- Guathier Diafutua has forced us to go back to the transfer wire on Wednesday when he chose to sign with Bastia for $11,500 per week for four years. We couldn't even touch that offer. But I hope that he thanks us for the recognition.

20 January 2007

FA Cup 4th Round
Preview
I don't think we've had the best luck with the Wolves up until this point…but if there was a time that we could spring an upset…it would be today. We're on a roll winning our last four matches and we get this round of 32 match at home. Neil Roberts has to make the start for us today with John Sutton on the mend. He'll have to have his biggest game for us since coming here.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Clare / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	0	Wolves
1st Half Notes
We were the ones that were a little gun shy coming out of the gate in this one as the Wolves had some great chances early but were not able to put any on goal. Then we composed ourselves a bit and controlled the rest of the half and put up 8 shots. The only one on goal was a long 35 yarder from James Harper that dinged off the cross bar. That was the only shot on goal for either team.
2nd Half Notes
The ref almost ruined this one for the home side when they gave captain Wayne Thomas a 2nd yellow card at the 80 minute mark…but we were able to hang on for the final 10 minutes and have the match end at a 0-0 draw. So now we'll have a replay at Wolves.
Goals -	None
Man of the Match -	Matt Murray - Wolves
Conditions -	Dry 51F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9068

Seasider News

- Wayne Thomas will be suspended for our next match as will midfielder Nick Montgomery for reaching his yellow card limit.
- After the accounting department got done burning the midnight oil it was announced that the gate receipts from Saturday's game vs Wolves were a new record high of $320,000.
- The replay of the match vs Wolves will be held at their place on Wednesday January 31st.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

22 January 2007
- Well this isn't much consolation...but if we end up beating Wolves in the replay of our 4th round match...the winner will face Tottenham.
- Also today...Barnsley has made an offer of $650,000 for midfielder James Harper. We again decline.

23 January 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Today we take on a Palace team that we've never beat. We're 0-0-3 against them so far. But today we're coming into the contest with a bit of a swagger winning our last four matches. We have a ton of players unavailable for this match and others are tired because of the match on Sunday.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Lynch
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Southern/ Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / McGregor / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Palace	1	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Despite our hot streak….we're still on the road for this one…so we install a defensive counter attack for the first time this year and it has been somewhat effective for us in the first half. Both teams could only muster one shot each but we had the majority highlights.
2nd Half Notes
It wasn't the most exciting of gameplans…but we were able to squeak out a draw in this one. We went on top first when our counter attack worked to a T. Dean Marney sent a beautiful long pass down to a streaking Simon Lynch as he scored to make it 1-0. But then just four minutes later...Vasilis Lakis made a great one on one move right by Mark McGregor and scored a goal to make it even and that's where it ended.
Goals -	Simon Lynch 66, Vasilis Lakis 70
Man of the Match -	Emmerson Boyce
Conditions -	Dry 37F
Venue -	Selhurst Park, London
Attendance -	23121

24 January 2007
- The transfer deadline is in one week. I'm not sure why I keep reporting this since it really never relates to us.

+ Physio Report +

26 January 2007
- We didn't like the news we heard today as striker John Sutton twisted his knee in training and will be out for about two weeks.
- Also we're alerted that two players...Thomas Myhre and Steven Davis will be called up for international duty on February 7th.

27 January 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
If we avoid defeat today it will beat our previous longest streak of seven games. We welcome Nick Montgomery back to our midfield…but lose Joseph Enakarhire to international duty.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / McGregor / Thomas / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	0	Gillingham
1st Half Notes
A fairly uneventful 1st half…but the best part is that we playe lockdown defense. No shots were attempted by Gillingham…but we were unable to take advantage of it by missing on our six.
2nd Half Notes
Not sure what happened in this one. We had our best day defensively…but we couldn't capitalize on one of our 14 shots. Oh well…we run our unbeaten streak to eight games.
Goals -	None
Man of the Match -	Paul Rachubka - Gillingham
Conditions -	Wet 42F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	8149

28 January 2007

Championship League
Pos	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	Sheff Utd	30	18	6	6	48	27	21	60
2	Nottm Forest	30	16	11	3	45	20	25	59
3	Man City	30	17	5	8	47	28	19	56
4	Crystal Palace	30	14	12	4	44	29	15	54
5	Leeds	30	15	8	7	52	30	22	53
6	Wolves	30	13	12	5	39	23	16	51
7	QPR	30	12	12	6	35	29	6	48
8	Millwall	30	12	9	9	41	34	7	45
9	Cardiff	30	12	9	9	41	35	6	45
10	Sheff Wed	30	13	6	11	45	40	5	45
11	Blackpool	30	12	7	11	36	32	4	43
12	Preston	30	12	6	12	41	43	-2	42
13	Wigan	30	10	7	13	31	44	-13	37
14	Gillingham	30	7	15	8	26	26	0	36
15	Stoke	30	8	11	11	28	28	0	35
16	Crewe	30	10	5	15	41	43	-2	35
17	Rotherham	30	10	5	15	30	36	-6	35
18	Ipswich	30	9	8	13	36	48	-12	35
19	West Ham	30	8	10	12	21	35	-14	34
20	Luton	30	7	12	11	28	33	-5	33
21	Burnley	30	7	9	14	37	51	-14	30
22	Derby	30	7	9	14	35	49	-14	30
23	Barnsley	30	8	3	19	26	55	-29	27
24	Stockport	30	3	3	24	16	51	-35	12

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

29 January 2007
- Fullback Emmerson Boyce was selected to the English Championship Team of the Week.

30 January 2007
- Fullback Stephen Crainey has been called up to the Scotland squad ot replace Callum Davidson.

31 January 2007
- The transfer deadline is tonight for English clubs. We'll be able to make transfers for domestic players however.

FA Cup 4th Round Replay
Preview
We now we're back in Wolverhampton the the FA Cup replay. The last match ended up in a 0-0 draw as we held on for the final 10 minutes while playing with 10 players. We'll revert back to a counter attack for this one…so speedy striker Simon Lynch will get the starting nod in this one.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Lynch
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Enakarhire / Thomas / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Wolves	1	-	3	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
I thought we were the aggresors on the pitch but we still end up down on the scoreboard. Dean Sturridge bullied his way through two defenders and was able to head in a cross at the 24 minute mark. I think we got a shot in the 2nd half though.
2nd Half Notes
Great 2nd half for the Seasiders. Simon Lynch knocked in a rebound at the 58 minute mark to tie it up at 1-1. Then we play out the rest of the half even at 1-1. So apparently 180 minutes wasn't enough for these two teams so we had to go to extra time. In extra time we strike first as Dean Marney's shot deflected off a Wolves defender to make it 2-1. Then trusty free kick taker Stephen Crainey knocked one in 10 minutes later to secure the 3-1 victory.
Goals -	Dean Sturridge 24, Simon Lynch 58, Dean Marney 95, Stephen Crainey 105
Man of the Match -	Wayne Thomas
Conditions -	Breezy 37F
Venue -	Molineux, Wolverhampton
Attendance -	27462

+ Physio Report +

- And we find out that fullback Stephen Crainey will miss about a week of action because of a strained wrist.

Seasider News

- For our victory over Wolves on Wednesday we were given $130,000.
- Now we will play at Tottenahm...oh joy...in the 5th round on February 17th.
- And because of the match against Tottenham our match versus West Ham will be re-arranged for February 21st.

[MikeVick7]

February 2007

Team Capsule
League Position:	11th in Championship League
Record:	12-7-11
Active Tournament(s):	5th Round FA Cup
Wage Total:	$85,585
Wage Budget:	$98,000
Transfer Budget Available	$1,537,964
Transfer Budget:	$1,135,164
Balance:	$9,151,127

Seasider News

1 February 2007
- Sheffield Utd's midfielder Michael Tonge was named the Championship Player of the Month.
- And our very own James Harper had the Soccernet Goal of the Month for his goal against Cardiff on January 1st.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
It's nice to come home to Bloomfield Road after our FA Cup win on Wednesday. But it will be no rest for the weary because we take on 5th place Leeds. Leeds aren't too happy with us since we beat them in the 3rd round of the FA cup so they are looking for a little revenge. We're even 2-2 in the career series with them so we're not intimidated...maybe just a bit tired from our match this week.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Richardson / Enakarhire / Thomas / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	0	Leeds
1st Half Notes
The first half was fairly even as both teams put up a combined nine shots. Midfielder Nick Montgomery went down with an injury at the 32 minute. We'll find out the severity after the match.
2nd Half Notes
The 2nd half was not the greatest offensively as we must have left our offensive gameplan back at Wolverhampton. No real chances for either team in the 2nd half as the games ends in a 0-0 draw.
Goals -	None
Man of the Match -	Paul Smith - Leeds
Conditions -	Dry 44F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9069

+ Physio Report +

- Midfielder Nick Montgomery picked up a leg gash during the match and will miss about five days.

4 February 2007

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1		Sheff Utd	31	19	6	6	51	27	24	63
2		Nottm Forest	31	17	11	3	49	20	29	62
3		Man City	31	18	5	8	50	28	22	59
4		Leeds	31	15	9	7	52	30	22	54
5		Wolves	31	14	12	5	41	23	18	54
6		Crystal Palace	31	14	12	5	44	31	13	54
7		QPR	31	12	13	6	36	30	6	49
8		Millwall	31	13	9	9	44	35	9	48
9		Cardiff	31	13	9	9	45	37	8	48
10		Sheff Wed	31	14	6	11	48	41	7	48
11		Blackpool	31	12	8	11	36	32	4	44
12		Preston	31	12	6	13	41	46	-5	42
13		Gillingham	31	7	16	8	27	27	0	37
14		West Ham	31	9	10	12	22	35	-13	37
15		Wigan	31	10	7	14	32	47	-15	37
16		Rotherham	31	10	6	15	31	37	-6	36
17		Stoke	31	8	11	12	28	31	-3	35
18		Crewe	31	10	5	16	42	46	-4	35
19		Ipswich	31	9	8	14	36	50	-14	35
20		Luton	31	7	12	12	28	34	-6	33
21		Burnley	31	8	9	14	39	51	-12	33
22		Derby	31	7	9	15	37	53	-16	30
23		Barnsley	31	8	3	20	26	59	-33	27
24		Stockport	31	3	4	24	17	52	-35	13

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

7 February 2007
- Slow news week as Steven Davis came on as a sub in a friendly for Northern Ireland vs Finland.

10 February 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We're ahead of Wigan in the table this season but we haven't had the best of luck against this team as we're 0-3 lifetime against them. But I think if there was a chance to get our first win it would be today. Steven Davis will be given a rest today because of his midweek international so Keith Southern will be given a start. Also John Sutton is available as a sub at striker.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Lynch
Midfield -	Marney / Southern / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Richardson / Enakarhire / Thomas / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Wigan	2	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
We're once again finding it hard to score for the 2nd game in a row. Wigan certainly has our number as they once again get on top early with a Jason Roberts header. We came out defesive in the first 20 minutes but then switched to attacking after we gave up the goal and started to gain a little momentum before half but couldn't get anything to go.
2nd Half Notes
Well we do good to pull it even at 63 minutes when John Sutton snuck one inside the right post…but Jason Roberts scored his 2nd goal of the match just 8 minutes later to secure the win. Wigan are now 4-0 against us lifetime.
Goals -	Jason Roberts 20, John Sutton 63, Jason Roberts 71
Man of the Match -	Jason Roberts
Conditions -	Dry 57F
Venue -	JJB Stadium
Attendance -	11517

11 February 2007

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1		Nottm Forest	32	18	11	3	52	22	30	65
2		Sheff Utd	32	19	7	6	53	29	24	64
3		Man City	32	19	5	8	52	28	24	62
4		Crystal Palace	32	15	12	5	46	31	15	57
5		Leeds	32	15	10	7	53	31	22	55
6		Wolves	32	14	12	6	41	24	17	54
7		Cardiff	32	13	10	9	46	38	8	49
8		Sheff Wed	32	14	7	11	50	43	7	49
9		QPR	32	12	13	7	36	32	4	49
10		Millwall	32	13	9	10	44	36	8	48
11		Blackpool	32	12	8	12	37	34	3	44
12		Preston	32	12	6	14	43	49	-6	42
13		Gillingham	32	8	16	8	30	27	3	40
14		Wigan	32	11	7	14	34	48	-14	40
15		Stoke	32	9	11	12	29	31	-2	38
16		West Ham	32	9	11	12	24	37	-13	38
17		Luton	32	8	12	12	30	35	-5	36
18		Rotherham	32	10	6	16	31	39	-8	36
19		Ipswich	32	9	9	14	38	52	-14	36
20		Crewe	32	10	5	17	43	48	-5	35
21		Derby	32	8	9	15	39	53	-14	33
22		Burnley	32	8	9	15	39	54	-15	33
23		Barnsley	32	9	3	20	27	59	-32	30
24		Stockport	32	3	4	25	17	54	-37	13

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

13 February 2007
- With our recent striker woes we've turned our attention to the loan marker and find young Karl Noon from the Liverpool Reserves who played for us a bit last season. We put in an offer...let's see if Liverpool responds.

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Derby's having a rough year but they still have the advantage over us in the overall series. Artim Sakiri finds his way back in the starting lineup today as Dean Marney continues to struggle at AML. Stephen Crainey will be back at left fullback after his injury.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Enakarhire / Thomas / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Derby	1	-	0	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Our scoreless string continues…but luckily so does Derby's. We controlled about the first 35 minutes…but then Derby started to gain control towards the end of the half. Neil Roberts sustained an injury in the first half and was replaced by John Sutton.
2nd Half Notes
We certainly have hit a bad stretch as we lose this one late. Grzegorz Rasiak scored on a goal 75 minutes into the match to secure the victory over the Seasiders. We…are…struggling.
Goals -	Grzegorz Rasiak
Man of the Match -	Emmerson Boyce
Conditions -	Wet 37F
Venue -	Pride Park, Derby
Attendance -	20024

+ Physio Report +

- Wayne Routledge injured his heal in this one...he'll be out for about 5 days and Neil Roberts injured his neck in the first half and will miss about a week.

15 February 2007
- Liverpool has accepted our loan offer for Karl Noon...step one done.
- And Rohan Ricketts loan deal is coming to an end so he will return to Tottenham in the next few days. We still have our eyes on him.

17 February 2007
- And striker Karl Noon has also agreed to come here on loan. Definitely a big boost to our ailing attack.

FA Cup 5th Round
Preview
We are definitely a huge underdog in this one…but it's great experience for us. Tottenham currently sits 3rd in the Premiership…but they have a Champions League match this weekend so I'm not sure if that will have much bearing on who and who they do not play. We're definitely struggling a bit as of late...but we're definitely happy to be here.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Sakiri / Southern / Harper / Montgomery / Marney
Defense -	Crainey / Enakarhire / Thomas / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Tottenham	1	-	1	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Well we certainly didn't stink out there in the first half but you could tell who the stronger team was. The Spurs outshot us 11-4 in the half but at least we were shutout. They were able to go ahead on a Michael Brown goal just 13 minutes into the match.
2nd Half Notes
A team of destiny? We somehow survive a barage of 22 shots by Tottenham and got one of our seven shots to go in to draw 1-1 and send it back to Bloomfield Road. James Harper saw his shot deflect off a Spurs defender at the 63rd minute and go past the keeper as we pull off the upset. Well...an upset even though we didn't win.
Goals -	Michael Brown 13, James Harper 63
Man of the Match -	Thomas Myhre
Conditions -	Wet 41F
Venue -	White Hart Lane, London
Attendance -	32479

18 February 2007

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1		Nottm Forest	34	19	11	4	55	23	32	68
2		Sheff Utd	34	20	8	6	57	31	26	68
3		Man City	34	20	6	8	56	29	27	66
4		Leeds	34	16	11	7	55	32	23	59
5		Crystal Palace	34	15	13	6	48	34	14	58
6		Wolves	34	15	12	7	45	25	20	57
7		Cardiff	34	14	11	9	51	40	11	53
8		Sheff Wed	34	14	8	12	51	45	6	50
9		QPR	34	12	14	8	38	35	3	50
10		Millwall	33	13	9	11	45	38	7	48
11		Gillingham	34	9	17	8	32	28	4	44
12		Blackpool	33	12	8	13	37	35	2	44
13		Rotherham	34	12	6	16	34	39	-5	42
14		Preston	33	12	6	15	43	53	-10	42
15		West Ham	33	10	11	12	26	38	-12	41
16		Wigan	34	11	8	15	35	52	-17	41
17		Ipswich	34	10	10	14	40	53	-13	40
18		Derby	34	10	9	15	42	53	-11	39
19		Luton	34	8	14	12	31	36	-5	38
20		Stoke	34	9	11	14	29	35	-6	38
21		Crewe	34	11	5	18	44	51	-7	38
22		Burnley	34	9	9	16	41	56	-15	36
23		Barnsley	34	9	5	20	30	62	-32	32
24		Stockport	34	3	4	27	17	59	-42	13

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

19 February 2007
- Both of our fullbacks...Emmerson Boyce and Stephen Crainey...were selected to the Championship Team of the Week.
- The draw for the 6th round (final 8) of the FA Cup was held today. The winner of our match against Tottenham will host either Charlton or Arsenal. Oooh...I'm kinda giddy of the prospect of Arsenal coming to Bloomfield Road. When's the stadium expansion when you need it?

21 February 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
West Ham has been a bit of a disappointment this year as I believe they were one of the favorites to promote…but they currently sit behind us in the table in 15th. Karl Noon will get the start today because we need a little boost from anywhere. Hopefully being at home and our good performance against Tottenham on Saturday will inspire us somehow.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Noon
Midfield -	Marney / Davis / Harper / Montgomery / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Enakarhire / Thomas / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	0	-	2	West Ham
1st Half Notes
I'm not sure what we're doing in our league games as of late. We're getting some shots on goal…but nothing that's scaring the opposition. And apparently it's not scaring West Ham since they actually took a 1-0 lead in the first half off of a Bobby Zamora goal.
2nd Half Notes
That was just a terrible terrible match for us. Not only did we just leave our scoring hat at home…but we allowed a late 2nd goal by West Ham to lose the game 2-0. Sad.
Goals -	Bobby Zamora 45, Moses Ashikodi 90
Man of the Match -	Danny Bunce - West Ham
Conditions -	Dry 39F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9071

24 February 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
The oddsmakers have us listed as the favorite for some reason so is this an indication that our string of losses is coming to an end? I hope so. We're playing the worst of the league right now and not taking advantage of it.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Sakiri / Montgomery / Harper / Southern / Marney
Defense -	Crainey / Enakarhire / Thomas / Richardson
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Crewe	0	-	0	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
A fairly non-despcript first half. Seven shots for us…none on goal however and just one shot for Crewe. We just need one to go through to get us going. We're just in one of our classic ruts.
2nd Half Notes
Man…this is some bad play. By both teams actually. 23 total shots…but none went in. The struggles continue.
Goals -	None
Man of the Match -	Thomas Myhre
Conditions -	Dry 55F
Venue -	The Alexandra Stadium, Crewe
Attendance -	9795

25 February 2007
- There was a little bit of an upset in the Carling Cup Final as West Brom defeated Chelsea on penalty shots.

Chelsea 2
West Brom 2p

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1		Man City	35	21	6	8	58	29	29	69
2		Sheff Utd	35	20	9	6	57	31	26	69
3		Nottm Forest	35	19	11	5	56	25	31	68
4		Leeds	35	16	12	7	57	34	23	60
5		Crystal Palace	35	15	13	7	48	35	13	58
6		Wolves	35	15	12	8	45	27	18	57
7		Cardiff	35	14	12	9	53	42	11	54
8		Sheff Wed	35	15	8	12	53	45	8	53
9		QPR	35	12	15	8	39	36	3	51
10		Millwall	35	13	10	12	48	44	4	49
11		Gillingham	35	10	17	8	35	28	7	47
12		Blackpool	35	12	9	14	37	37	0	45
13		West Ham	35	11	12	12	30	40	-10	45
14		Preston	35	12	8	15	47	57	-10	44
15		Rotherham	35	12	7	16	34	39	-5	43
16		Ipswich	35	11	10	14	43	53	-10	43
17		Derby	35	11	9	15	43	53	-10	42
18		Wigan	35	11	9	15	36	53	-17	42
19		Stoke	35	10	11	14	31	36	-5	41
20		Luton	35	8	15	12	32	37	-5	39
21		Crewe	35	11	6	18	44	51	-7	39
22		Burnley	35	9	10	16	43	58	-15	37
23		Barnsley	35	9	5	21	30	64	-34	32
24		Stockport	35	3	4	28	17	62	-45	13

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

26 February 2007
- Just when we get Martin Bullock back from his month long injury...he reinjures himself during training and will be out for about a week with a bad neck.
- Leam Richardson was named to the Championship Team of the Week.

27 February 2007
- Today we get a call from Morecambe as they express interest in getting midfielder Johnathan Goulding on a loan for three months. This will be Johanathan first trip out to the real world. Good luck.

28 February 2007

FA Cup 5th Round Replay
Preview
As much as we'd like to make a run at the Spurs today…the possibility of relegation is a thought that makes us cringe. So we're resting about half of our regulars for this one. But in case we're close down the stretch…they'll be ready to go.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Roberts
Midfield -	Sakiri / Montgomery / Harper / Southern / Routledge
Defense -	Richardson / Clare / McGregor / Richardson
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	2	-	2p	Tottenham
1st Half Notes
Wow. What a first half we just got done playing. Artim Sakiri playing like the experienced midfielder that he is assisted on both goals as we take an improbable 2-0 lead into the 2nd half. On the first goal Sakiri fed Nick Montgomery who slid it just inside the left post. Then nine minutes later Sakiri again fed James Harper who's shot from straight on bounced off a Spurs defender and into the goal.
2nd Half Notes
What a 2nd half. We seemed to have control until the Spurs subbed in Frederic Kanoute. Kanoute subbed in at the 74 minute mark and scored two goals within eight minutes of one another to level it at 2-2. The match then goes into a very subdued extra time period with neither team having much chance at scoring a goal. I think both squads were just exhausted and wanted to have this settled on penalties. And the Spurs definitely knew what they were doing when we went to penalties...cause we really don't have a lot of good penalty takers on our squad and it showed as we lose on penalties 4-2.
Goals -	Nick Montgomery 25, James Harper 34, Frederic Kanoute 76, Frederic Kanoute 82
Man of the Match -	Nathan Mulligan - Spurs
Conditions -	Dry 46F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9046

+ Physio Report +

- Simon Lynch strained his neck in the match against Spurs and will be out for about 5 days.

[MikeVick7]

March 2007

Team Capsule
League Position:	12th in Championship League
Record:	12-9-14
Active Tournament(s):	None
Wage Total:	$85,409
Wage Budget:	$98,000
Transfer Budget Available	$1,537,964
Transfer Budget:	$1,135,164
Balance:	$9,497,707

1 March 2007
- 26 midfielder Emil Gargorov from Manchester City was named the Championship Player of the Month.

3 March 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We really need to use this home game as sort of a springboard to get us back in the race. It's kinda weird to say this but we're still only eight points out of relegation. And although I don't think there's a chance in hell we'll get to that point…it's still in the back of our mind. Tonight we face one of those teams that's knee deep in the relegation race right now. We just gotta come out and set the tone early and we should be ok.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Noon
Midfield -	Sakiri / Montgomery / Harper / Davis / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Blackpool	2	-	0	Barnsley
1st Half Notes
Man…we're playing at home and we muster only three shots and one shot on gaol. Barnsley actually came out with more intensity and outplayed us badly.
2nd Half Notes
We definitely came out more aggressive in the 2nd half so I guess we caught some breaks because we were more aggressive…but man did we catch some breaks. Our first goal was scored because of a mistake by Karl Noon. His actions were meant to score a goal...but he did. Then Routledge was fouled in the box and so we were given a penalty kick which Stephen Crainey knocked in to secure the win.
Goals -	Karl Noon 57, Stephen Crainey pen76
Man of the Match -	Thomas Myhre
Conditions -	Dry 55F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9080

4 March 2007

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1		Man City	36	22	6	8	59	29	30	72
2		Sheff Utd	36	20	9	7	57	32	25	69
3		Nottm Forest	36	19	11	6	56	26	30	68
4		Crystal Palace	36	16	13	7	50	35	15	61
5		Leeds	36	16	12	8	57	36	21	60
6		Wolves	36	16	12	8	48	27	21	60
7		Cardiff	36	15	12	9	57	42	15	57
8		Sheff Wed	36	15	8	13	55	48	7	53
9		QPR	36	12	15	9	39	38	1	51
10		Millwall	36	13	10	13	49	46	3	49
11		Gillingham	36	10	18	8	36	29	7	48
12		Blackpool	36	13	9	14	39	37	2	48
13		West Ham	36	12	12	12	32	40	-8	48
14		Preston	36	13	8	15	50	59	-9	47
15		Rotherham	36	13	7	16	35	39	-4	46
16		Stoke	36	11	11	14	33	37	-4	44
17		Derby	36	11	10	15	44	54	-10	43
18		Ipswich	36	11	10	15	43	54	-11	43
19		Luton	36	9	15	12	33	37	-4	42
20		Wigan	36	11	9	16	37	56	-19	42
21		Burnley	36	10	10	16	46	59	-13	40
22		Crewe	36	11	6	19	44	55	-11	39
23		Barnsley	36	9	5	22	30	66	-36	32
24		Stockport	36	3	4	29	17	65	-48	13

[Desnudo]

"I'm kinda giddy of the prospect of Arsenal coming to Bloomfield Road. When's the stadium expansion when you need it?"

I don't know if you know, but teams in cup matches split the revenue. So you are better off going away against a team like Arsenal. You can generate something near $2 million in revenue if they sell-out.

[MikeVick7]

5 March 2007
- We finally get a little excitment going down the stretch. Preston North's Billy Davies decides to spout off in the media about me and my squad. I decide to take a sarcastic road stance by stating that he isn't as bad of a manager as everyone else thinks.

6 March 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
This is a pretty big match for us because the majority of teams we play after this are all at the top of the table. Plus there's a little smack talk going on…so that will bring a little electricity to the pitch.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Sakiri / Montgomery / Harper / Davis / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Preston	1	-	3	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
We once again under-achieve in half number one. Mark Jackson uses a slumping Joseph Enakarhire like a rented mule and beats him for a goal to go up 1-0. We had a few chances in the half but they just aren't scaring the opposition.
2nd Half Notes
Finally…a great half of football from the Seasiders. We had three different players knock in goals as we totally turned the tables and came back for a 3-1 win. Karl Noon started things off just four minutes into the half with his 2nd goal for us. Steven Davis put us ahead with a half volley off a Artim Sakiri corner to give us the lead. Then even a struggling Dean Marney picked up his 4th goal of the year for us. A very well needed victory heading into the toughest part of our schedule.
Goals -	Mark Jackson 14, Karl Noon 49, Steven Davis 64, Dean Marney 74
Man of the Match -	Steven Davis
Conditions -	Dry 50F
Venue -	Deepdale, Preston
Attendance -	20477

Seasider News

- After the win over Preston we hear from our chairman Karl Oyston as he made it known how pleased he was with our victory over our arch rivals.
- Also after Tuesday's matches...Stockport has been relegated back down to League One. Stockport is just having a terrible season at 3-4-30.

9 March 2007
- Centre back Matthew Lawlor finished up his loan with Tranmere in League One where he appeared in 21 matches...scored one goal...had three assists and was named Man of the Match two times. Lawlor will be apart of the first team next year if we don't end up selling him.

10 March 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
We had a great win on Tuesday and now we hope to continue with this home match against Ipswich. Ipswich…as far as I can remember was near the top of the table earlier this season…but now they're sitting in 17th place. With our win in our last match we catapulted up to 10th and our point total from last year (49).
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Marney / Montgomery / Harper / Davis / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	1	-	0	Ipswich
1st Half Notes
Our string of good play continues as we took a 1-0 lead into halftime. The play that got us on top was pretty sweet. Dean Marney came in from the left wing and had his initial pass deflected but he controlled the loose ball…got it back into John Sutton and Sutton snuck it in past the left bar and scored.
2nd Half Notes
Despite two Ipswich players receiving red cards in the 2nd half…we couldn't put anymore goals on the board. But luckily for us our defense was solid in this contest and we held on to win our 2nd in a row.
Goals -	John Sutton 15
Man of the Match -	Emmerson Boyce
Conditions -	Dry 50F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	8625

+ Physio Report +

- After the match...physio Phil Horner tells us that there aren't any injuries to report...but just that midfielder Steven Davis needs a rest. Luckily for us we only have one match per week for the next month and a half or so.

11 March 2007
- Karl Noon has been called up for some U21 international friendlies for England versus Azerbailjan and Greece.

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1		Man City	38	23	7	8	61	29	32	76
2		Nottm Forest	38	20	12	6	57	26	31	72
3		Sheff Utd	38	21	9	8	60	33	27	72
4		Crystal Palace	38	17	14	7	51	35	16	65
5		Wolves	38	17	12	9	49	28	21	63
6		Leeds	38	16	14	8	58	37	21	62
7		Cardiff	38	15	13	10	57	43	14	58
8		QPR	38	14	15	9	43	38	5	57
9		Blackpool	38	15	9	14	43	38	5	54
10		Sheff Wed	38	15	8	15	56	51	5	53
11		Gillingham	38	11	19	8	39	31	8	52
12		Rotherham	38	14	8	16	39	40	-1	50
13		West Ham	38	12	14	12	32	40	-8	50
14		Millwall	38	13	10	15	49	51	-2	49
15		Stoke	38	12	12	14	34	37	-3	48
16		Preston	38	13	9	16	51	62	-11	48
17		Derby	38	12	11	15	47	55	-8	47
18		Ipswich	38	12	10	16	45	56	-11	46
19		Luton	38	9	17	12	34	38	-4	44
20		Burnley	38	10	12	16	46	59	-13	42
21		Wigan	38	11	9	18	39	60	-21	42
22		Crewe	38	11	7	20	44	56	-12	40
23		Barnsley	38	10	5	23	31	69	-38	35
24	R	Stockport	38	3	4	31	17	70	-53	13

[MikeVick7]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

"I'm kinda giddy of the prospect of Arsenal coming to Bloomfield Road. When's the stadium expansion when you need it?"

I don't know if you know, but teams in cup matches split the revenue. So you are better off going away against a team like Arsenal. You can generate something near $2 million in revenue if they sell-out.

I was actually just being more of a nerd and thinking how cool it would have been for a team like Arsenal to come play at dinky Bloomfield Road.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

12 March 2007
- Fullback Emmerson Boyce was once again named to the Championship Team of the Week. That's his 5th appearance this season and 10th overall since joining our club last year.

14 March 2007
- Reservist Matthew Lawlor has been called up to the England U19 squad to face Greece in a friendly on March 26th.
- Also today we decide to use some of our remaining transfer fund money and go after 22 year old striker Eddie Johnson who is currently on loan with Sheff Wed from Man Utd. Our initial offer is for $1 million Johnson wouldn't join us until June.

15 March 2007
- Striker loanist (is that a word?) Karl Noon has been called up by the England U21 squad to face Greece in a friendly on March 27th.

16 March 2007
- Now five more players have been called up for international duty for matches on March 28th.

Wayne Thomas - Republic of Ireland
Thomas Myhre - Norway
Steven Davis - Northern Ireland
Joseph Enakarhire - Nigeria
Neil Roberts - Wales

17 March 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Today we take on Stoke who has fallen to 15th in the table and it's another matchup with former Blackpool star Keigan Parker. Parker has done fairly well for Stoke this season appearing in 26 matches and scoring six goals. We've had great success against Stoke since joining the Championship winning two and drawing one with no losses. One minor change today is that we're gonna rest tired Steven Davis and insert a struggling Dean Marney who has not faired well at attacking midfield.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Sakiri / Montgomery / Harper / Marney / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Stoke	2	-	0	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Well Parker is one up on us in the first half as he headed one past Andrea Guatelli in the 13th minute to go up 1-0. Using a counter attack style in the first half we had some decent chances but couldn't get anything to go.
2nd Half Notes
We played fairly well despite going a man down just eight minutes into the 2nd half as Wayne Thomas was sent off. We had a couple good chances even though we played a man down for most of the half. Stoke got a late breakaway goal from Chris Greenacre however to put it away.
Goals -	Keigan Parker 13, Chris Greenacre 85
Man of the Match -	Matt O'Neill - Stoke
Conditions -	Wet 50F
Venue -	Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent
Attendance -	17349

+ Physio Report +

- In the match Joseph Enakarhire twisted his knee and will miss the next week.

Seasider News

- Thanks to his red card in the match on Saturday centre back Wayne Thomas will miss the next match. So that coupled with Enakarhire's injury means that we will most likely be w/o both starting centre backs for next weekend's match. We're also alerted by our stats dept that Wayne Thomas' 12 yellow cards and 2 red cards are a new club record. Nice job Wayne...

18 March 2007
- Man Utd agrees to our $1 million offer for striker Eddie Johnson.

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1		Man City	39	24	7	8	62	29	33	79
2		Sheff Utd	39	22	9	8	63	33	30	75
3		Nottm Forest	39	20	12	7	57	29	28	72
4		Crystal Palace	39	17	15	7	52	36	16	66
5		Leeds	39	17	14	8	62	37	25	65
6		Wolves	39	17	13	9	50	29	21	64
7		QPR	39	15	15	9	45	38	7	60
8		Cardiff	39	15	14	10	58	44	14	59
9		Blackpool	39	15	9	15	43	40	3	54
10		Sheff Wed	39	15	8	16	57	54	3	53
11		Rotherham	39	15	8	16	42	41	1	53
12		West Ham	39	13	14	12	37	42	-5	53
13		Gillingham	39	11	19	9	41	36	5	52
14		Stoke	39	13	12	14	36	37	-1	51
15		Millwall	39	13	11	15	50	52	-2	50
16		Preston	39	13	9	17	51	64	-13	48
17		Derby	39	12	11	16	48	57	-9	47
18		Ipswich	39	12	11	16	46	57	-11	47
19		Burnley	39	11	12	16	49	61	-12	45
20		Wigan	39	12	9	18	41	61	-20	45
21		Luton	39	9	17	13	34	39	-5	44
22		Crewe	39	11	8	20	45	57	-12	41
23		Barnsley	39	10	5	24	33	72	-39	35
24	R	Stockport	39	3	4	32	17	74	-57	13

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

22 March 2007
- According to a national newspaper...James Harper has declared that he needs to move to a bigger club. He went on to say that his ambition is to win trophies and doesn't think he can do that at Blackpool. Well that's not cool James. I wonder if a pay raise would help?
- On the bright side...striker Eddie Johnson has agreed to sit down at the table with us. His initial demands are $8,600 per week to go along with a 4 year deal and a $360,000 signing bonus. Dearden recommends we pay him $5,800. Johnson could be a vital cog for us up front so we agree to his demands.
- Due to all the international action this weekend...there are no league matches so our next match will be on the 31st.

24 March 2007
- Checking with Harper's agent...he said that if we renegotiated his contract it would take a considerable jump upwards. He currently makes $3,000 per week and to resign him it would go up to $10,500 per week. But he is willing to resign...so that is a positive. We're so close to the end of the season so we're just gonna sit tight for now. Plus Harper has one more year left on his contract with us.l
- It looks like Artim Sakiri had a lackluster showing for FYR of Macedonia and was eventually substituted.

25 March 2007
- Great news today as striker Eddie Johnson agrees to his contract offer. The transfer will go through on June 5th. Johson...on loan at Sheff Wed right now has three goals in six appearances.

[MikeVick7]

Seasider News

28 March 2007
- Three more players came on as subs during their respective countries friendlies...Joseph Enakarhire...Neil Roberts and Steven Davis and they all did well.

31 March 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
Finally a match after a two week break. Rotherham is just two spots behind us in the table and neither team is in danger of going down…so there won't be any hidden incentives in this one. We'd like to have a better showing than we had two weeks ago against Stoke. Steven Davis gets another rest due to exhaustion in this one as Dean Marney will get another look in the midfield.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Sakiri / Montgomery / Harper / Marney / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Guatelli
Final Score:	Blackpool	3	-	0	Rotherham
1st Half Notes
I liked the way we played in the first half. We controlled possession and only allowed Rotherham five shots and none were on goal. At the 37th minute mark we finally got one of our nine shots to go. Dean Marney struck a shot from just outside the boal that deflected off of a Rotherham defender and snuck past the keeper. Marney has definitely played better since moving to a new spot.
2nd Half Notes
This match was one of our better ones in quite a while. We get a goal from James Sutton just eight minutes into the half. Then Nick Montgomery sustained an injury where he couldn't continue and we had already made all three of our substitutions. But that didn't stop James Harper from getting his 5th score of the season down a man.
Goals -	Dean Marney 37, John Sutton 53, James Harper 87
Man of the Match -	James Harper
Conditions -	Dry 57F
Venue -	Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
Attendance -	9056

+ Physio Report +

- Tough blow here as Nick Montgomery's injury will cause him to miss 4 weeks. He tore a groin muscle during the match versus Rotherham. That will effectively end his season as we have exactly one month left.
- And the big cheese Karl Oyston was extemely pleased with the win over Rotherham this weekend.

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	P1	Man City	40	25	7	8	65	31	34	82
2		Sheff Utd	40	23	9	8	64	33	31	78
3		Nottm Forest	40	21	12	7	59	29	30	75
4		Crystal Palace	40	18	15	7	55	36	19	69
5		Leeds	40	18	14	8	65	37	28	68
6		Wolves	40	17	14	9	50	29	21	65
7		QPR	40	16	15	9	47	38	9	63
8		Cardiff	40	15	15	10	58	44	14	60
9		Blackpool	40	16	9	15	46	40	6	57
10		West Ham	40	14	14	12	40	42	-2	56
11		Gillingham	40	12	19	9	44	37	7	55
12		Sheff Wed	40	15	8	17	59	57	2	53
13		Rotherham	40	15	8	17	42	44	-2	53
14		Stoke	40	13	13	14	36	37	-1	52
15		Millwall	40	13	11	16	50	53	-3	50
16		Preston	39	13	9	17	51	64	-13	48
17		Derby	40	12	11	17	48	60	-12	47
18		Ipswich	40	12	11	17	46	59	-13	47
19		Burnley	39	11	12	16	49	61	-12	45
20		Wigan	40	12	9	19	41	64	-23	45
21		Luton	40	9	18	13	34	39	-5	45
22		Crewe	40	11	8	21	46	60	-14	41
23		Barnsley	40	10	5	25	33	75	-42	35
24	R	Stockport	40	3	4	33	17	76	-59	13

[tanglewood]

Still think you can sneak into the playoffs? Regardless, you've had a reall solid season of consolidation that sets you up well for next year.

[SirFozzie]

Miniscule chance of making the playoffs, but still, great job so far. Let's keep it in the top 10

[MikeVick7]

April 2007

Team Capsule
League Position:	9th in Championship League
Record:	16-9-15
Active Tournament(s):	None
Wage Total:	$87,770
Wage Budget:	$98,000
Transfer Budget Available	$1,537,964
Transfer Budget:	$1,135,164
Balance:	$9,247,231

1 April 2007
- Leeds Utd striker Michael Ricketts has won the Championship Player of the Month.
- I end up coming in 3rd in the Manager of the Month award.
- The asst manager Billy Dearden said that Nick Montgomery was somewhat upset by the comments I made in the media after asked to comment on his injury. I said that he was an important first team player but thought we had adequate cover for him. Awww...suck it up man.

2 April 2007
- Emmerson Boyce conitinued his great season for us being selected to the Championship Team of the Week for the 6th time this season.
- We're not really looking at resigning 33 year old AML Artim Sakiri after this season and so we're looking at a suitable replacement. We're looking for a younger player but nothing is too appealing out there right now. We do run across Dave van den Bergh however who is 30...but would be the best player on our roster if signed. He is looking for a 2 year deal woth $10,000 per week. The board is not allowing me to offer more than $7,400 for him. He would be a free transfer since his contract is unprotected and would join our club on July 1st.

5 April 2007
- To no one's surprise...Dave van den Bergh rejected our initial contract offer but is willing to negotiate. We just can't offer enough of a basic salary however.

7 April 2007

Coca-Cola Championship League Match
Preview
This one will be a bit tough. Sheff Utd currently sits 2nd in the Championship table and is looking for another move back to the Premiership. We're sitting 9th in the table…eight points out of a possible playoff spot but we're not too worried about that now. After a period of exhaustion Steven Davis rejoins the midfield in place of Nick Montgomery. Also with his injury that gives us more of a chance to look at Dean Marney at midfield. Wayne Thomas is back in the lineup as well today.
Starting Line-up: (4-3-2-1)
Strikers -	Sutton
Midfield -	Sakiri / Davis / Harper / Marney / Routledge
Defense -	Crainey / Thomas / Enakarhire / Boyce
Keeper -	Myhre
Final Score:	Sheff Utd	1	-	0	Blackpool
1st Half Notes
Decent first half as both teams put up five shots. Sheff Utd had a bit more quality on their's with four being on goal but Thomas Myhre was brilliant making a couple of key saves to keep the score at 0-0. Wayne Thomas did not miss a beat after being suspended from the last match as he picked up a yellow card.
2nd Half Notes
We spent the better portion of the half or the game for that matter getting pelted by Sheff Utd shots. They fire off 18 total and 12 on goal. We only allow one unbelievably to go as Thomas Myhre played a great match. We could only must nine shots and two were on goal. We never mounted much of a threat in this one.
Goals -	Jack Lester 51
Man of the Match -	Thomas Myhre
Conditions -	Dry 68F
Venue -	Bramall Lane, Sheffield
Attendance -	27579

+ Physio Report +

- Martin Bullock...who have been battling injury after injury...bruised his jaw in the match on Saturday and will miss about five days.

8 April 2007

Championship League
Pos	P/R	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	For	Ag	GD	Pts
1	P1	Man City	41	25	8	8	65	31	34	83
2	P1	Sheff Utd	41	24	9	8	65	33	32	81
3		Nottm Forest	41	22	12	7	62	30	32	78
4		Leeds	41	19	14	8	69	38	31	71
5		Crystal Palace	41	18	15	8	56	38	18	69
6		Wolves	41	18	14	9	53	30	23	68
7		QPR	41	16	16	9	47	38	9	64
8		Cardiff	41	15	15	11	59	47	12	60
9		West Ham	41	15	14	12	42	42	0	59
10		Blackpool	41	16	9	16	46	41	5	57
11		Gillingham	41	12	20	9	44	37	7	56
12		Rotherham	41	16	8	17	44	45	-1	56
13		Stoke	41	14	13	14	38	38	0	55
14		Sheff Wed	41	15	8	18	60	60	0	53
15		Millwall	41	13	12	16	51	54	-3	51
16		Derby	41	13	11	17	50	61	-11	50
17		Preston	41	13	10	18	54	68	-14	49
18		Ipswich	41	12	12	17	46	59	-13	48
19		Luton	41	9	19	13	35	40	-5	46
20		Burnley	41	11	13	17	52	65	-13	46
21		Wigan	41	12	9	20	43	67	-24	45
22		Crewe	41	12	8	21	49	62	-13	44
23		Barnsley	41	10	5	26	34	79	-45	35
24	R	Stockport	41	3	4	34	17	78	-61	13