We can’t help how good we are, says Blackpool’s Holloway

Ian Holloway is close ending Blackpool’s 39-year wait for a return to England’s top flight.

Should Blackpool overcome Cardiff City at Wembley on Saturday the 47-year-old manager will finally get the opportunity to experience the thrill of managing in the Premier League.

This season he led the Seasiders to sixth place in the Championship and Holloway is the first to admit that his side have probably over achieved during his first term at Bloomfield Road.

“Our badge says ‘Progress’ and I think we’re making progress,” Holloway said. “We’ve probably made far too much but you can’t help how good your team is.”

The English manager has made some shrewd acquisitions during his short time at Blackpool, perhaps most notably the purchase of Charlie Adam from Rangers. The Scotland international has scored 16 goals from midfield this season.

It was DJ Campball’s 23-minute hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the play-off semi-finals that secured an appearance at Wembley, leaving the Lancashire club just 90 minutes away from what would surely be Holloway’s greatest achievement in football.

Holloway’s managerial ability was questioned at Leicester City in 2008 after they were relegated from the Championship. During his time at the club he only managed to secure nine wins in 32 games.

Following the disappointing spell at the Walkers Stadium the 47-year-old took a year-long sabbatical, making regular appearances on television as a pundit.

He then returned to football when he was appointed as head coach at Blackpool in May 2009.

His recent success has caught the eye of a number of clubs, including West Ham United, but Holloway dismissed rumours linking him to the vacant role at Upton Park.

“I am more than happy with the football club I have got here,” he said. “The  speculation is just a distraction. I do not want it.”