FM11: Blackpool - A New Era
- Thread starter hedger_14
- Start date
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
Blackpool Draws Stuttgart in EURO Cup
The first knockout round of the EURO Cup was drawn out and it was Blackpool who would face Stuttgart, and would be at home for the first leg, on the 20th February. Meanwhile, other big games that would take place are Spartak Moscow v At. Madrid, Sunderland v CSKA Moscow, Dynamo Kyiv v Benfica and Anderlecht v Man City. Should Blackpool qualify for the second knockout round, they would play the winner of the match between Toulouse FC and Ajax. Meanwhile, Edu Bedia's role at the club seems to be uncertain after rejecting a contract offer from Blackpool, following a demand for a pay rise after a great performance against Ventspils and Fulham have already expressed an interest and could make a move for a fee around the ?3.5M mark. In other news, Blackpool would face Chelsea in their next league match with a full crowd expected for a highly anticipated match at Bloomfield Road and with Chelsea slowly falling behind in 6th place, they would need a win in that match while Blackpool would be looking to take the top of the ladder position.
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
23rd December - Blackpool v Chelsea - Premier Division
It was a huge game for both clubs, Chelsea inparticular who had lost to Arsenal and drawn West Ham, both at home in their last 2 matches and now face Blackpool away from home and it wouldn't be any easier. Their injury troubles added to the problem with Branislav Ivanovic, Yury Zhirkhov and their top scorer, Djibril Cisse out with injury while Blackpool had no injury news to report of. The two teams have met 6 times since 2010 and Blackpool would be looking for their first win against Chelsea with only one draw from those 6 games but still only went in as slight underdogs according to the odds. A fair few changes were made to the Blackpool side that defeated Ventspils during the week, with Caballero, Hodson, Jones, Dorsin, Adam, McFadden and Wood coming back in while DJ Campbell would be looking to show his chances off the bench after scoring a double mid-week and with only one league goal since the start of last season, he would definately be looking for that chance. This would also be Caballero's 75th league appearance for Blackpool and Sylvestre would make his 225th career league appearance if brought on.
Blackpool:
GK: Wilfredo Caballero
DL: Mikael Dorsin
DC: Phil Jones
DC: Craig Cathcart
DR: Lee Hodson
ML: James McFadden
MC: Charlie Adam (C)
MC: Edu Bedia
MR: Elliot Grandin
ST: David Goodwillie
ST: Chris Wood
Subs: David Ospina, Neal Eardley, Ian Evatt, Ludovic Sylvestre, Israel, Giovani dos Santos, DJ Campbell
Chelsea:
GK: Petr Cech
DL: Ryan Bertrand
DC: John Terry
DC: Phil Jagielka
DR: Jose Bosingwa
MC: Michael Essien
MC: John Obi Mikel
AML: Florent Malouda
AMC: Frank Lampard
AMR: Gervinho
ST: Marco Borriello
Subs: Matej Delac, Michael Schuster, Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Neven Subotic, Erik Huseklepp, Denys Garmash, Alex
Grandin went ever so close to scoring 3 minutes into the game, with an attacking free kick which he curled well and only just went over the bar. It didn't take much longer for Blackpool to find the net though when Phil Jones scored his first goal of his career, McFadden's cross perfectly placed on Jones' head who showed precision with the header to beat the keeper and put Blackpool up 1-0 less than 10 minutes in. It was a corner that brought the second goal as well but this time it was Chelsea who scored when Jagielka found the goals with a header, although got deflections from two Blackpool players on the way through. Wood should have retaken the lead for Blackpool after 17 minutes when he had nearly an open goal to shoot at it but couldn't hit the target from 20 yards. Both sides had their chances in an action packed first half and it was surprising to see the sides go into the break with only one goal a piece but it was a thrilling game and the fans were getting what they deserved.
The Blackpool fans were in ecstacy 10 minutes into the second half, when James McFadden hit an absolute beauty, reminiscent of his strike against against France in the Euro 2008 qualifiers in 07. McFadden got the pass from Dorsin and had a shot from long range, curling back towards the top corner, getting a touch from Cech but it didn't do anything as Blackpool led 2-1 after 55 minutes. Ludovic Sylvestre and Ian Evatt were brought on after 65 minutes, for Edu Bedia and Craig Cathcart, also Sylvestre's 225th career appearance. Chelsea had their chances to draw back level but it looked like it might have been Blackpool's day going into the final 15 minutes. Goodwillie must have put the game beyond doubt in the 81st minute after a decisive break away and a venomous finish from the Scottish striker, as he smashed it low in the bottom corner, Petr Cech diving to no avail and Blackpool had a 2 goal lead with 10 minutes remaining. It was a historic win for Blackpool over Chelsea and they would now be looking to take the title, but they will have to keep it going for another 6 months.
Wilfredo Caballero took the MOTM award for a great performance in goals, making 5 important saves, only letting in the one goal as he continues to shine in the premier league and still proving that he is the number one keeper at Bloomfield Road, leaving Ospina wondering how he will break through. James McFadden was unlucky not to take the MOTM award, scoring that match changing goal, but was also very solid in the other aspects of his game, making 2 key passes, winning 6/6 tackles, making 1 key header and taking 3 intercepts. Phil Jones, who missed the Ventspil's match put in a great performance for the Seasiders, scoring the early goal, and was faultless at the back, winning 3/3 tackles, 5/5 headers including 3 key headers and making 4 interceptions. Phil Jagielka was the stand out for Chelsea, scoring their only goal while completing 29 passes, winning 3 tackles, 9/11 headers and taking 9 intercepts, breaking down the Blackpool attacks on many occassions.
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
26th December - Blackpool v Man City - Premier Division
It was another tough match for Blackpool, with only 3 days rest since their clash with Chelsea, and will then have to travel away to play Liverpool in 3 days time so it wouldn't be any easier. Blackpool's top of the table spot would be put under pressure in the next few days with Man City in third sitting 6 points behind them, as is Liverpool while Arsenal is only 3 points behind so should Blackpool slip up in either of their next 2 games, they would be looking to capitalize and go top of the ladder. Man City would only be missing Salvatore Bocchetti, out with a twisted knee, which is a big blow for them, having played in 14 matches so far this season and was ever so present for them since joining for ?16.75M from Rubin last season. Blackpool didn't have any injury news but would have to be careful with both Chris Wood and James McFadden one yellow card away from a one match ban. Surprisingly, Blackpool only made one change to their starting XI with Giovani dos Santos coming in for Grandin but would probably have to rest a few players in the match against Liverpool. It is a match of milestones for Blackpool though as Charlie Adam is playing in his 275th career league appearance, his 175th for Blackpool and David Goodwillie's 125th appearance for Blackpool and only needs one more goal to reach 100 career goals.
Blackpool:
GK: Wilfredo Caballero
DL: Mikael Dorsin
DC: Phil Jones
DC: Craig Cathcart
DR: Lee Hodson
ML: James McFadden
MC: Charlie Adam (C)
MC: Edu Bedia
MR: Giovani dos Santos
ST: David Goodwillie
ST: Chris Wood
Subs: David Ospina, Tarik Brack, Ian Evatt, Ludovic Sylvestre, Israel, Elliot Grandin, DJ Campbell
Man City:
GK: Joe Hart
DL: Aly Cissokho
DC: Joleon Lescott
DC: Mapou Yanga Mbiwa
DR: Cesar Azpilicueta
ML: David Silva
MC: Yaya Toure
MC: James Milner
MR: Matias Ezequiel Schelotto
ST: Marko Arnautovic
ST: Carlos Tevez
Subs: Wojlech Szczesny, Luis Suarez, Gareth Barry, Nedum Onuoha, Emmanuel Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Ron Vlaar
The first 25 minutes were pretty evenly contested with both sides getting a few chances in front of goal and Blackpool would have been annoyed not to be in the lead after getting a clear cut chance, but Chris Wood somehow managed to hit the post. The last 20 minutes of the half weren't as action packed as the first and not surprisingly, the teams went into the break level with both sides having it all to play for in the second half. DJ Campbell finally got his awaited run, subbing in for Chris Wood at the interval, who wasn't having a great game up front.
It wasn't good news for Blackpool fans though when Phil Jones went down with an injury 15 minutes into the second half and Blackpool were forced into a substitution, with Ian Evatt his replacement. It seemed like the match was heading for a draw, but Goodwillie didn't want that to happen, it seemed when his pass back was way off target and nearly gifted Tevez a goal but Caballero made a fantastic save to deny him, but was furious at what had happened, David apologising. Man City had one last chance to snatch the victory with a corner in stoppage time but Adebayor's header went well over the bar and the game ended in a 0-0 draw, a fair result despite Man City having all the shots and Blackpool not having a single shot on target.
Caballero continued to impress in the goals as he picked up his second consecutive MOTM award, making a number of good saves to keep a clean sheet and win his team a point. Mikael Dorsin also had a good game at the back for Blackpool, completing 44 passes, winning 2/2 tackles, 4/4 headers and making 5 interceptions. For Man City, it was James Milner who impressed, making 3 key passes, winning 8 tackles including 2 key tackles and 1 header, while travelling over 12km. Joleon Lescott had another solid game, dominant in the air winning 12 of 13 headers while making 5 interceptions, but the strikers could have been better, and Tevez definately wasn't at his best with only 2 of 8 shots on target and only winning 1 of 13 headers, although did pass well completing 38/42 passes and made 9 tackles. Blackpool would now travel away to Liverpool and it was going to be another tough match. They would be without Phil Jones as well for the match but will be back for the next match against Newcastle.
Chelsea to steamroll the Tangerines!
Ooops, was hopelessly wrong with that.
Anyway, great to get 4 points against Chelsea and Man City. KIU!
HOWEVER, did I see you mention Djibril Cisse is Chelsea's top scorer in the game?!! Is Avram Grant still the manager? And I have to say, the bench looks totally different despite being still in 2013 in your game.
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Interesting to see other team line-ups. Where is Balotelli? And Adebayor is still at City, but also interesting to see Suarez and Szczesny at City. Borriello at Stamford Bridge?
It's Man City. They are an annoying pest, even in the game!
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
haha, yep. And I don't think Avram Grant is the manager. They've had a few manager changes after a few average seasons.
Edit: Avram Grant is still the manager actually, and Peterborough actually beat Chelsea (and have won 4 of their last 5 matches unbelievably
)
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hedger_14
ICC Chairman
29th December - Liverpool v Blackpool - Premier Division
The draw wasn't getting any easier for Blackpool and their would be some tired legs going into their third match in the space of a week. Beating the top teams at home was one thing, but beating them away from home would be even tougher and despite Blackpool's great form, Liverpool went into the match favourites even despite Andrea Poll being doubtful for the game. Phil Jones would miss the match for Blackpool but that was their only injury news but they did make a few changes due to fatigue. In the two teams 6 past meetings, Liverpool have come out on top on 3 occassions, while 2 have resulted in draws and Blackpool have won one match, and Blackpool have only managed one point at Anfield in 3 meetings. For Liverpool, much would rely on the Spanish striker, Fernando Torres who is currently 2nd on the goal charts with 12 goals, while Goodwillie will be the key man for Blackpool with 7 goals so far this season. DJ Campbell would make his second league start of the season meanwhile, Chris Wood getting a break, starting on the bench. This is also a huge game for Ian Evatt, his 400th career match and 250th for Blackpool.
Liverpool:
GK: Jose Reina
DL: Emiliano Insua
DC: Daniel Agger
DC: Martin Skrtel
DR: Glen Johnson
MC: Raul Meireles
MC: Lucas
AML: Bryan Ruiz
AMC: Steven Gerrard
AMR: Jorge Martinez
ST: Fernando Torres
Subs: Lukasz Zaluska, Jonjo Shelvey, Jan Vertonghen, Lacina Traore, Danny Wilson, Joe Cole, Charles N'Zogbia
Blackpool:
GK: Wilfredo Caballero
DL: Tarik Brack
DC: Ian Evatt
DC: Craig Cathcart
DR: Neal Eardley
ML: Israel
MC: Mark Noble
MC: Ludovic Sylvestre
MR: Elliot Grandin
ST: David Goodwillie
ST: DJ Campbell
Subs: David Ospina, Mikael Dorsin, Jonathan Woodgate, Edu Bedia, James McFadden, Giovani dos Santos, Chris Wood
It was Liverpool who took control of the game early and Raul Meireles went ever so close after 13 minutes with a nice strike from outside the area which only just went wide. Blackpool were doing well to keep Liverpool out and even created a few chances but Liverpool finally scored after 36 minutes, Luiz striking Meireles's corner into the back of the net and Liverpool led 1-0. It took barely 2 minutes for Blackpool to respond when David Goodwillie brought up his 100th career goal when he received a ball from Noble, before skipping around Skrtel and then finishing with the left foot, getting some assistance from the post but Blackpool had drawn back level. That was the scoreline at the break and both sides had it all to play for in the second half.
Giovani dos Santos was brought on for Elliot Grandin at the break but it didn't take long for Liverpool to apply the pressure and Cathcart's lack of concentration nearly led to a goal for Fernando Torres but his shot was saved by a diving Caballero and it was still 1-1. The corner nearly brought a goal but luckily a defender got in the way of Ruiz's header and denied him his second goal of the game. Hedger wouldn't have been happy 63 minutes in though when Ruiz was left unmarked off a free kick and he happily accepted the invitation and headed the ball home to put Liverpool back in front, while Chris Wood came on for DJ Campbell. Liverpool didn't take long to lose that lead either when Giovani dos Santos scored a stunning curling goal from the edge of the box off a beautiful Mark Noble pass, and Blackpool had come from behind for the second time, but they wouldn't want to have to do it again. Torres was lucky to get off with only a yellow card after making a horrendous tackle in the 70th minute, taking out Craig Cathcart from behind with no challenge for the ball. Set plays were Blackpool's downfall today though when Liverpool took the lead once again in the 75th minute, although this time it was Neal Eardley who sent the ball into his own net after running straight into Cathcart's clearance and the ball rebounded into the goals. Blackpool tried to equalise late in the game but just couldn't and Liverpool took a 3-2 win and you would find it hard to believe that was the scoreline with Liverpool taking 29 shots to Blackpool's 3. Chris Wood also picked up a yellow card late in the game, which means he would miss one match through suspension, which the Blackpool fans wouldn't have wanted.
Bryan Ruiz was the MOTM after an excellent performance, scoring 2 goals and got an assist as his shot led to Eardley's own goal but was also excellent all-round completing all 20 passes that he attempted including 4 key passes, won 3 key headers and made 5 runs past the defenders, completely outclassing Blackpool's Tarik Brack who had a horrid game in containing him. Raul Mereiles was also in everything, setting up Ruiz's two goals, while completing 39 of 42 passes, completing 7 crosses, winning 2 tackles, 3 headers and taking 2 intercepts. Mark Noble was the stand out for Blackpool in his first match of the season, completing 2 key passes, winning 2 tackles, drawing 4 fouls and setting up both of Blackpool's goals. Blackpool stayed top despite the loss but Arsenal are only 3 points behind with a game in hand so they could overtake Blackpool.
If you managed to draw with liverpool, with 29 shots to 3 that would have been unbelievabe1. It would have been amazing if you manage to get a 2-2 draw from Anfield especially with the shots comparison but tough luck with the defending from set-pieces!
2. Seeing some of the big teams scoring only between 25-35 goals in the first half of the season is somewhat slightly surprising!
3. Blackpool top of the table?!! Now, that is what I call scary!
KIU!
2. Seeing some of the big teams scoring only between 25-35 goals in the first half of the season is somewhat slightly surprising!
3. Blackpool top of the table?!! Now, that is what I call scary!
KIU!
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
1st January - Newcastle v Blackpool - Premier Division
So the new year is here and it should be another exciting match between the two sides. Newcastle were missing a couple of players though though with Joey Barton out through suspension, while Mike Williamson would miss the game through injury. Blackpool, meanwhile would be missing Chris Wood which was a huge blow but despite only joining earlier in the day, Hedger had stated in the pre-match press conference that he would play straight away, and was registered to play about an hour prior to the game. Newcastle would be looking for their first win against Blackpool in 6 games, having only taken 2 draws from their past 5 meetings, with Blackpool winning 3 games.
Newcastle:
GK: Matthew Gilks
DL: Jose Enrique
DC: Fabricio Coloccini
DC: Jordan Spence
DR: Steven Taylor
ML: David Vaughan
MC: Danny Guthrie
MC: Kevin Nolan (C)
MR: Wayne Routledge
ST: Andy Carroll
ST: Nathan Delfouneso
Subs: Jamies Langfield, Jonathan Obika, Branko Boskovic, Michel Platini, Jose Angel Crespo, Liam Lawrence, Ryan Taylor
Blackpool:
GK: David Ospina
DL: Mikael Dorsin
DC: Ian Evatt
DC: Phil Jones
DR: Lee Hodson
ML: James McFadden
MC: Charlie Adam (C)
MC: Mark Noble
MR: Giovani dos Santos
ST: David Goodwillie
ST: Rodrigo
Subs: Wilfredo Caballero, Craig Cathcart, Jonathan Woodgate, Edu Bedia, Israel, Elliot Grandin, DJ Campbell
Blackpool looked fluent in their play early on and it didn't take long to get on the scoresheet, the skipper Charlie Adam capping off a great team move, with Hodson passing the ball along to Rodrigo who showed quick thinking in his first match in the Premier League to tap it on to Giovani dos Santos who picked out Charlie Adam who was free on the edge of the box and his finish was sublime, leaving former Blackpool keeper, Gilks no chance. The match quietened a bit though but Giovani dos Santos was unfortunately injured in the 27th minute with a potential groin injury, and forced to come off, bringing on Elliot Grandin. The news got worse for Blackpool when Delfouneso hit Blackpool on the counter and made an absolutely stunning individual goal as he got on the inside of Dorsin before beating Ospina somehow and tapping the ball into the back of the net and it was all level again. Hedger would have been ripping his hair out though when Newcastle took the lead a minute later, after some horrible defence as a quick free kick was taken and Nolan hit it from 35 yards and Ospina was left wondering yet again as the ball flew into the back of the net. David Goodwillie would have to be one of the best players in the Premier League and showed his skills yet again, with a promising run before getting himself some space and hitting it from 25 yards right in the top corner and it was David Goodwillie's 100th goal for Blackpool in all competitions. Rodrigo also got the assist for playing a beautiful ball to him before making the run. That was the score at the break and it was a thrilling first half, but what would the second half have in store.
Blackpool's defence was poor yet again minutes into the second half and ex-Blackpool midfielder, David Vaughan capitalised on it putting Newcastle back into the lead and Blackpool would have to come back again. It took a set play but Blackpool pulled back level after 60 minutes, and it was Phil Jones who headed Grandin's free kick past Gilks to level it up at 3-3. The match went quiet and both teams made a few subsitutions but it didn't seem to do anything but Rodrigo nearly set Goodwillie up for a stoppage time winner, but the Scottish striker's shot went just wide of the mark and the full-time score was 3-3, a pretty fair result.
Newcastle's skipper, Kevin Nolan picked up the MOTM award after a great performance, scoring a goal, creating a goal, completing 39/44 passes, winning 6/6 tackles and making 8 interceptions. Nathan Delfouneso had a great game up front as well, scoring a goal, making 3 key passes, winning 5 tackles and tested the opposition defence on several occassions, making 5 attacking runs. Phil Jones had a strong game at the back although could have been criticised for the poor positioning on a couple of occassions but had a solid game in all, scoring the final goal to get Blackpool a point, he won 3/3 tackles, 6/8 headers including 3 key headers and made 3 intercepts, but did pick up a yellow card. Charlie Adam had another impressive performance, scoring the early goal, making 29 passes, winning 3 tackles, 2 key headers and making 4 attacking runs. Rodrigo also had an impressive debut despite not getting on the goalsheet, completing the majority of his passes, including 1 key pass, winning 4 headers and setting up a goal. The horrible news was that of Giovani dos Santos' injury which would keep him out for the next 3 weeks.
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
Ivan Fatic Could Make Blackpool Transfer
Blackpool have decided to make a move for Catania and Montenegro defender, Ivan Fatic. The defender who primary plays as a left back but can play in the centre of the defence, has had a ?3M offer accepted from both Blackpool and Villareal and is currently in contract talks with both sides. Hedger stated recently, "Ivan is a quality defender and has played really well in the Serie A over the past few seasons and there's no reason why he can't do the same in the Premier League. Our defenders are getting older, with Woodgate (33), Dorsin (32) and Evatt (32) so we will need replacements for those players and Brack hasn't quite nailed it at the top level so Fatic would fit in very well at left back, but could also backup for Cathcart and Jones when needed." Blackpool are also interested in signing Man City's midfielder, Jack Wilshere. He signed from Arsenal in 2011 for a fee of ?13.5M but could make a move to Bloomfield Road for a fee around ?7M, and it has been rumoured that Blackpool have made a bid of ?6.25M for the 22 year old.
hedger_14
ICC Chairman
4th January - Blackpool v Chesterfield - FA Cup
Blackpool's horrible draw continued with their 7th match in 21 days and would still continue with another mid-game week against Tottenham and then on the weekend against Blackburn. Blackpool would be without Giovani dos Santos but they decided to rest most of their star players for the match, hoping to keep them fit for the match against Tottenham. Chesterfield meanwhile were without Simon Ford, Billy Bingham and Shaun Bennett, making their defence look very thin. They would struggle to get anything from this match even despite Blackpool fielding close to a second XI.
Blackpool:
GK: David Ospina
DL: Tarik Brack
DC: Dekel Keinan
DC: Jonathan Woodgate
DR: Neal Eardley
ML: David Carney
MC: Edu Bedia
MC: Mark Noble
MR: Jeffren
ST: Rodrigo
ST: DJ Campbell
Subs: Wilfredo Caballero, Ian Evatt, Craig Cathcart, Ludovic Sylvestre, Israel, Elliot Grandin, Chris Wood
Chesterfield:
GK: Keith Champion
DL: Joseph Mills
DC: Karleigh Osborne
DC: Emmerson Nurse
DR: Dan Gray
ML: Will Atkinson
MC: Dwayne Mattis
MC: Iderlindo Moreno Freire
MR: Joe Lennox
ST: Dean Morgan
ST: Craig Davies
Subs: Shane Redmond, Darren Finch, Gary Moore, Adam Rundle, Zeli Ismail, Martin Atkinson, Steve Carter
Blackpool might have fielded a weak team but it wasn't going to stop them from going for the win and Rodrigo scored his first goal for Blackpool, only a minute into his second match, getting a good ball from Campbell before rounding the keeper and finishing it off with ease. Rodrigo showed his skills yet again, a couple of minutes later when he made a nice run before making another precise finish to score a double and put Blackpool 2-0 up within 3 minutes. Jeffren then hit a screamer from 30 yards, hitting it with real venom and leaving the keeper no chance and Blackpool were 3-0 up within 6 minutes and this was going to be an absolute thrashing. Blackpool didn't seem like they wanted to play much more after that, as they only managed a few shots in the next 20 minutes. Jeffren scored again though on the 36th minute to give Blackpool their 4th goal. The scoreline remained that way going into the half-time break but it could have been a lot more.
The second half was nowhere near as entertaining as the first as Blackpool played with no intensity with the game already beyond doubt and it didn't look like Rodrigo or Jeffren would get their hattrick. It was 4-0 at half-time, and that was the final score as well as neither team could find the back of the net in the second half. Jeffren was named MOTM for his 2 goals, with Rodrigo coming just behind him but it was a good all-round performance and the result was never in doubt, after Blackpool led 3-0 after 6 minutes.
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