Holloway not selling biggest Blackpool stars unless to big four
Published:Blackpool are currently making a fine fist of securing their Premier League survival and manager Ian Holloway is not entertaining the thought of selling any of his top stars unless an offer comes in from one of the top flight’s ‘Big Four’.
Premier League betting odds have Blackpool at 5/2 to make an immediate return to the Championship, but they currently have a four-point cushion from the relegation places and games in hand on the teams around them.
It could be argued that Blackpool are punching above their weight, but it is because of the performances of players including DJ Campbell, Charlie Adam and Luke Varney that they find themselves in their present position.
These performances have also generated interest from other clubs, with Adam in particular being chased by Birmingham and Blackburn, with the former reportedly weighing up whether to make a £2m bid.
However, Holloway knows the importance of keeping his squad together if they are to avoid relegation and therefore will rebuff any offers, unless there is interest from those teams challenging for the title.
Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette: “We don’t need to sell anyone. We are in a great situation and I don’t think any one of my lads will want to move.
“If another Premier League club comes in for them which isn’t Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City or Chelsea, I’d be surprised if they wanted to go. If it was one of those big four that came in, then maybe I’d have to talk to them.”
Premier League survival is clearly the chief priority for Blackpool this season and this is proved by Holloway suggesting that he will name a weakened team for the FA Cup third round game away at Southampton.
Blackpool’s betting odds are 9/5 to beat Southampton, with the hosts the favourites at 5/4, despite currently being in League One.
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