Fresh start for the Seasiders (From Blackpool Citizen)

Fresh start for the Seasiders

1:19pm Thursday 16th October 2008

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Blackpool go into Saturday’s game at Doncaster on the back of a four game unbeaten run which followed the worst performance of the season, at Burnley, and began with the best performance at high-flying Birmingham City.

It will be another fresh start to the Championship season, after another two week break for World Cup qualifying matches.

The squad has had a chance to recuperate, and a few players have been able to shake off niggles. Mind you, with four games in eleven days starting at Doncaster, they will soon be feeling the heat once again.

Stephen Crainey and Daniel Nardiello won’t be fit for the trip to South Yorkshire, but there is a good chance that the rest of the squad will be available for selection. And with Mo Camara set to sign for his third and final month on loan, the defence should line up unchanged.

In midfield, the main decision is whether to bring back Claus Jorgensen, who is fit again after missing the last match with a groin injury. Adam Hammill was his replacement, and Alan Gow came off the bench in that game to score a last gasp equaliser and will also be pressing for a starting place, but Jorgensen is likely to regain his place.

Striker Stephen McPhee will be looking to strengthen his claims now he has recovered from injury. Simon Grayson will be relieved to have a fit striker on the bench.

Doncaster have lost their last six games, and conceded four second half goals to ten Barnsley players in their last match, which suggests they are struggling to adjust to life in the Championship following their promotion in May.

Simon Grayson will not be expecting a walkover though, against a side that will be out to heal wounds and that has had two weeks to regroup.

At least one man in their ranks will be trying doubly hard to get one over on the Seasiders, and no prizes for guessing who. Richie Wellens was a key member of the Doncaster promotion side, and has held onto his place this season.

He always turned up with a point to prove when he played against Blackpool for Oldham, and Saturday will be no different. Wellens’ colleague Brian Stock, a key man in Rovers’ midfield, is undergoing intensive back treatment and is a doubt for Saturday.

Derby County visit Bloomfield Road on Tuesday and will arrive in a great run of form.

The side that struggled to the worst ever Premiership points total of eleven last season, and continued in the same vein at the start of this season, has turned its fortunes around in recent weeks. A run of six games unbeaten has yielded twelve points, and the body language of manager Paul Jewell is gradually improving.

Jewell has a huge budget in Championship terms, and it was only a matter of time before the confidence returned to Pride Park.

Derby will provide a big test for the Seasiders, as they seek to win at home for only the second time this season. Three points at Doncaster on Saturday would set things up nicely for a crack at a team that hasn’t visited Bloomfield Road since 1986.

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