BLACKPOOL STILL CONTENDERS

  • Posted on: 4 January 2012
  • By: isport

Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton has said that Blackpool have the ability to become promotion contenders, despite them struggling in the Championship this season. Blackpool dropped out of the Premier League after just one season in the top flight, but they are in a good position to launch a promotion bid.

They are currently one place behind sixth placed the Reading, which is the final position that will ensure the ability to play in the play-offs. Blackpool came to the Premier League after winning the play-offs and it is something that they would want to try once again.

Birmingham city, however, cannot claim to be in the same position as Blackpool, as they are struggling with a number of issues. However, Chris Hughton has been able to get the best out of the players, despite these problems. They are currently in the 15th place, and a massive five points separating them from Blackpool. However, Chris Hughton will know that they currently have two games in hand, which will propel them closer towards the play-offs position should they get the maximum three points out of them.

Chris Hughton has said that any club finishing above Blackpool in the table will be capable of challenging for the promotion. “Personally I think that is a fact. Anyone who finishes above them will certainly be in the play-off positions and possibly higher. They have lost a couple of big influences, Adam and Vaughan. But if you look at the nucleus of the team it’s what they had last season,” insists Hughton.

Blackpool have made extremely prudent purchases in the summer, and it has been one of the main reasons for the challenge, despite losing players like Charlie Adam. Former Birmingham city players Barry Ferguson and Kevin Phillips currently represent Blackpool.