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FROM the opening day of the season to the final swansong at Old Trafford it was a season of trials and tribulations for the Blackpool faithful.

It was quite some stay, a rollercoaster ride to say the least. Full of ups and downs, a season filled with excitement and exhilaration.

It has been a stay cut shorter than many would have liked, but nonetheless it was one that has left us with some fantastic memories and on behalf of the footballing family I’d personally like to take this opportunity to thank Blackpool for this Premier League season.

For the Seasiders more famous for their pier, their tower and the pleasure beach than their football side a season in the Premier League was always going to be a tall order.

It was a rapid rise to the top flight – just nine years previously the 1953 FA Cup winners were languishing in the fourth tier of English football.

A 4-0 victory away from home on day one was a statement of intent from a team making their first appearance in England’s top flight since 1971 and it was from that moment that a nation fell in love.

It didn’t last long. Arsenal soon lowered the tone and brought Blackpool back down to earth with a six goal drumming of Holloway’s men and from that moment it was always going to be a battle for survival rather than the ‘dream’ first season many had hoped for.

53 goals and a series of exciting games in their debut season left no doubt in the fans’ minds that they had earned their place alongside the likes of United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

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Over the course of the season Blackpool completed the double over Liverpool and reigned victorious over Champions League quarter finalists Tottenham Hotspur. But despite being able to beat the Premiership big guns what they oozed in abundance against the teams towards the top of the table they lacked severely against those towards the bottom.

It was the story of their season, quality football, taking the game to the opposition, scoring good goals, but most costly conceding far too man, most notably when losing at Bloomfield Road to Manchester United despite leading 2-0.

It proved all too costly and ultimately their downfall, even on deadline day. Again, they took the lead against United but lacked the conviction and in the end the ability to see out the game. A harsh own goal shattered the dream and United punished Blackpool as they tried in vein to get back into the game.

In was something of a harsh goodbye from the Premier League. A survival Sunday clash with the Premiership champions. Did anyone really believe they had a chance? Well in fact yes, many of whom United fans themselves – caused in no uncertain terms by ‘the Holloway factor’.

Holloway has been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League – the Bristolian ‘Special One’. At times a comedian, but always the ultimate professional. A man of words and wisdom with charisma in abundance. An all round performer.

Not only did Holloway and his team entertain us on the pitch, but he also cheered us up off it, quickly providing us with some brilliant quotes and unforgettable outbursts.

They’ll no doubt lose their best players. Most obviously Charlie Adam, heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, others are also likely to part company. But perhaps, just maybe they can hold on to one or two, even all, and if Holloway is allowed to invest and build a side capable of propelling Blackpool back into the Premier League, it will allow the man that deserves it so much a chance, one more crack at the big time.

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Last year 100,000 fans lined the streets of Blackpool after the Tangerines secured promotion to the Premier League.

It goes without saying that they’ve gained a few more avid followers that will be wishing them and Ian Holloway all the best and good luck in their quest to return to the top flight of English football.

Blackpool have brought glamour, excitement and colour- tangerine to be precise. The tangerine dream has been the story of the 2011/2012 season. Unfortunately, everyone has now woken up. “She’s put the mic down, the fat lady’s finished singing and I don’t like her tune.” Holloway’s final words in the Premier League – for now at least.

It’s sad to parting company, but to leave with one of Holloway’s quotes: “Are castle was made of sand but there’s concrete underneath.”

For now, the tide has come in. Let’s start to rebuild that castle.

Blackburn Rovers have swooped to sign free agent midfielder Herold Goulon following a successful trial.

The 22-year-old Frenchman spent two years in the Middlesbrough youth team earlier in his career and was available on a free transfer after leaving Le Mans during the summer.

Goulon, who graduated from France's famous Clairefontaine Academy, has signed a deal until the summer of 2012.

Meanwhile, Rovers will be without captain Christopher Samba for Sunday's trip to Liverpool.

Samba is banned following his red card during Monday's goalless draw with Sunderland.

However, his absence is likely to be countered by the return from a thigh injury of Ryan Nelsen.

"We lose an exceptionally good player in Samba, we've got to deal with that," manager Sam Allardyce told the club's official website.

"It depends on Ryan Nelsen in terms of fitness. He came back from a long haul flight from New Zealand and was injured.

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"We lost him for the Sunderland game but he should be fit for this weekend. That gives us options on whether we play Phil Jones at the back or in midfield.

"Without Ryan then obviously Phil would definitely be playing in defence."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

 

If the rumours about Carlos Tevez playing again for Manchester City are true, it could be a real headache for Roberto Mancini. Would he play the man who refused to play and to do the job he is paid to do – or would he leave out a man that gives 100% in every game he plays and is a prolific goalscorer? Roberto Mancini has a big decision to make.

Lets look at the reasons for and against

Why Carlos Tevez should play again for Manchester City:

1. He always gives 100% – Everyone knows that when Carlos Tevez plays he doesn’t stop running and will chase every lost cause. Unlike some of the current players at Manchester City, Tevez doesn’t rest on his laurels. He uses every game as an opportunity to prove himself to the fans and everyone else how good he is, even though we all know his talents.

2. He is their ex-captain – Because of Tevez’s leadership skills, he commands respect. He may not be treated the same way by his team-mates when he returns, but he can still help Vincent Kompany to lead the team and help show everyone why he used to be the captain.

3. He is a great goalscorer – Tevez has scored 52 goals in 84 games. Pretty good record. Tevez is always a goal-scoring threat and can score from most chances. Every team needs someone who finishes off their chances and he can do that.

Why Carlos Tevez shouldn’t play for Manchester City again:

1. He has the wrong attitude – Refusing to play and refusing to do their job is completely stupid and how Tevez has kept his place in Manchester City’s team amazes me. Yes he has apologized, which is always the first step to go, but he didn’t do his job and then he disappeared to Argentina for a few months, abandoning his club and his position of trust.

2. Would he be picked? – With Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli as striking options at Man City, Mancini would rather opt for them rather than Tevez, seeing as the other three know where the goal is and Mancini has obvious problems with him.

3. His team-mates might not respect him – While his team-mates have been mounting a Premier League title challenge, Tevez has been in Argentina, playing golf and lounging around the beach. Will his team-mates have the same respect they had for him before?

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So what do you think about Tevez? Comment below.

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Laurent Blanc’s future is uncertain after newspaper reports claimed the maligned France coach had tendered his resignation.Ouest-France, France’s highest-circulating daily, reported the 1998 World Cup-winning defender had handed in his resignation to the French Football Federation amid growing public pressure over the racial quota scandal which has engulfed French football.

The FFF, who have opened an inquiry following allegations of applying racial quotas in the national training centres, however have denied such speculation.

The report also claimed that France President Nicholas Sarkozy was planning to veto any resignation plans Blanc may have had.

The Ligue 1-winning coach initially denied partaking in such discussions over the implementation of a racial quota – designed to limit the number of players of African and Maghreb descent over concerns of physicality and the issue of dual nationality.

“I admit some remarks made during a work meeting, taken out of their context, may be misinterpreted. As far as I am concerned, I apologise if I have hurt some feelings. But I, who am against any form of discrimination, do not accept being accused of racism or xenophobia,” he wrote in a statement.

Blanc has come in for criticism from former national team-mates, Lilian Thuram – France’s highest-capped player – and Patrick Vieira.

Thuram, while doubting Blanc harboured racist attitudes, did question the lack of wisdom with which the France boss made the comments regarding black players, while Vieira expressed shock at the idea FFF could even entertain such options.

“I am shocked. I would never have believed that the directors of football in our country could conduct such discussions about the national team in the heart of the federation offices. Never!” Vieira told Le Monde.

“I know Laurent Blanc. I’ve always got on well with him. I do not believe that he is a racist but I am surprised by the tone of his comments (about ‘blacks’). People can say what they like but no-one seems to have raised any objection during the meeting. (And) that’s shocking to me.”

Others – namely former Les Bleus captain Didier Deschamps, France captain Alou Diarra, former international Christophe Dugarry and French playmaker Franck Ribery – have thrown their support behind Blanc.

The joint FFF inquiry is expected to hand down a verdict on the futures of Blanc, FFF technical director Francois Blaquart and two other staff members on Monday.

The issue of identity and religion in France has been deeply politicised in recent years, and the outbreak of ‘QuotaGate’ has ensured the FFF and Blanc would be garner much publicity.

An impressive Champions League showing in midweek showed that Harry Redknapp’s team are more than capable of mixing it with some of Europe’s finest. Tottenham fans will be hoping the midweek performance, will kick-start a season which has been patchy at best.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs which has included…rebirth of Robbie Keane; ridiculous gamble that Tottenham may regret and the seven wonderkids who never cut the mustard at WHL.

Plus we have taken a look at the best Tottenham stories on the Web this week.

Top TEN Worst Football Pundits

Top TEN Overrated Premier League Players

The rebirth of Robbie Keane?

The £6m Tottenham rumour highlights their lazy nature

Caption Competition: Van der Vaart faces up to an old foe

FIVE reasons for Tottenham fans to be optimistic

One aspect of Premier League clubs that the PRESS casually ignore

The Premier League MYTHS debunked

FIVE things we learnt from Tottenham’s CL opener

Ridiculous gamble that Tottenham may live to regret

Did Tottenham make the right transfer call?

Tottenham will only signal true ambition by ditching Crouch

Tottenham Hotspur’s striking dilemma

The 7 Tottenham ‘Wonderkids’ that never were

‘Six of the best’ – the Tottenham returns from hell

Top TEN Premier League WAGS

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Best of Web

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Local honour at stake for London trio with Wembley European Cup final – Guardian

Tottenham win 2-2 – Dear Mr Levy

Van der Vaart: Spurs Own Answer to Fabregas, Lampard & Gerrard – Football Pools

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You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby – Who Framed Ruel Fox?

A game of three halves. – Spurs Musings with JimmyG2

Harry Redknapp accuses Arsène Wenger of double standards – Guardian

Believe – Dear Mr Levy

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A welcome addition to our Champions League wag series – click on the image to view the gallery of Yolanthe Cabau

Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson looks set for a move to Everton according to reports in the British press.

Gibson is a fringe player at Old Trafford, has not been part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans this campaign and has been forced to watch the action from the sidelines.

Mirror Football have reported that the Republic of Ireland international is set to sign for the Goodison Park club in a £2 million deal, with the signing expected to be announced on Friday.

Gibson is ready to put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract, reportedly worth £40,000 a week.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports have stated that United have rejected a transfer bid from Newcastle for youngster Ravel Morrison.

The young winger has starred for the youth teams and reserves at the Premier League champions, but due to his contract expiring in the summer has been linked with a move to another club.

The 18-year-old will be available on a free transfer come June, but Alan Pardew’s men are thought to want to steal a march on their rivals by paying a small transfer fee and securing the starlet’s signature immediately; United have rejected this proposal.

Morrison has stated that he is keen to find regular first-team football, and has been reluctant to put pen-to-paper on a new deal at United.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Another weekend of Premiership action and it’s a slight understatement to say that the temperature is rising. The fight for Champions League spots has at least five teams in it and arguably the battle to avoid the drop into the Championship has twice as many teams dicing with death.

Manchester United vs Everton

This will a fiercely competitive game and I tell you this, Everton are going to give United a genuine run for their money here. The Toffees’ is superb of late. They haven’t lost in six and only drawn two, which at this end of the season is a credible achievement. Hernandez as an anytime goalscorer has to be worth a punt as does a 2.5+ goal line. I predict a 2-2 thriller which is 18/1.

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Aston Villa vs Stoke

The Cup specialists travel to Villa Park with the scent of victory still in their nostrils then, eh? We’ll have to wait and see. The Villans are obviously with Gerard Houllier, but perhaps this will simply serve to rally the troops. Stoke’s away form (Wembley aside) has been abysmal. Prediction a conservative 2-1 home win for me is 15/2.

Blackpool vs Newcastle

Oh Blackpool, you came and you gave without taking…. It’s looking like what you gave us were a few one liners from a village idiot and the services of Charlie Adam. Like ropey old seaside rides of yesteryear the wheels have fallen off. Toon distinguished themselves against United and in their post apocalyptic post Carroll sweat they are looking remarkably good. Prediction any price on an away win.

Liverpool vs Birmingham

Hardly ‘season defining’ but if Liverpool want to emphasise that they are back  on track whacking Brum out of Anfield, over the Kop and into the car park for a six is the order of the day. Birmingham are probably looking for a point here to keep them just out of that relegation scrap. Liverpool must be like Ming. Merciless. Prediction of a home win has got to half attractive to lump on at 4/9.

Sunderland vs Wigan

Eeeeesch. Here’s one for hardened fan. A pair of past their sell by date pasties battling it out for pole position on the reduced to clear shelf. I hope Barclays bring us this game with a health warning. The sad thing is Sunderland are probably better than this. Or at least they were. I think Wigan may well do ’em and 11/4 seems value in my eyes.

Tottingham vs West Brom

Spurs were back to their lightening attack mode against Arsenal and I just wonder if they will now ‘do the usual’ and stroll into this game against a supposedly lesser side and get stung. It happens frequently. The Baggies have won their last two away games… Look out Lilywhites. I’ll take the draw at 3/1.

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Chelsea vs West Ham

The last nail in West Ham coffin was hammered home by none other than Sir Geoff Hurst yesterday. He told Keys & Gray on talkSPORT that his beloved team were certain for the drop. Chelsea could get a hockey score here. 4-0 is only 9/1. This game ought to come with an 18 certificate.

Bolton vs Arsenal

Oh dear. I can see Mr Wenger spontaneously combusting at the Reebok here. Bolton were taken to the front of the class and rather uncharacteristically had their pants pulled down against Stoke. They will be wanting to remind their fans and indeed themselves they can still play football. A draw is no good for the Gunners. But 1-1 is an inviting enough 6/1.

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Meet Sabrina Ravelli – The Girl That Turned Down Lionel Messi just click on the image below to launch the steamin’ gallery!

Aston Villa caretaker Kevin MacDonald insisted the buck stopped with him following Sunday's 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United.

MacDonald, who was unbeaten in his two games at the helm following Martin O'Neill's departure on the eve of the new season, saw John Carew miss an early penalty at St James' Park before the floodgates opened.

Villa were playing their second game in four days and afterwards the interim manager claimed he made a mistake with his team selection.

"One or two of the young lads who have played three games in a week, maybe it was too much for them, so I will accept responsibility. It was me who chose the team," he said.

Meanwhile, MacDonald has admitted he still doesn't know whether he wants the Villa Park job on a full-time basis.

He added:"My views are that maybe by the end of next week when we have finished all those games, I will be able to sit down and think is it what I want to do or is it not what I want to do?

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"We have got a big game coming up on Thursday (against Rapid Vienna) which we have got to get back up for to try to get into the Europa League."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Tottenham Hotspur are on fire right now and there are few players in the Premier League in as good form as Spurs midfielder Gareth Bale.

The Welsh winger has been tearing up defences across the country and was at it again at Carrow Road during the week, as Bale scored twice in Tottenham’s 2-0 win against Norwich.

That victory leaves Spurs 3rd in the Premier League table, ready to mount an assault on the two Manchester’s at the top.

Strictly Come Dancing might have finished, but here are Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor dancing in celebration on Tuesday night.

Leave your suggestions below…

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This week you can win a Coerver Coaching DVD and Football!

Learn to play like your football heroes with Coerver Coaching Vol 1! Coerver bring their tried and tested method to DVD for the first time with skills, flicks, passes and tricks in a programme endorsed by Geoff Hurst, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gerard Houllier.

Coerver is supported and partnered by leading football brand adidas, a relationship dating back more than 20 years.

“It’s the best technical skills programme I’ve come across; even after 25 years it continues to evolve and excite.” Gerard Houllier – former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager.

For the FootballFanCast.com Caption Competition Terms and Conditions click here

Check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.

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Last week’s winner: Vendorman – click here to see all entries

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You can also enter the Caption Competition via Qustodian SportsThe FREE football app that pays YOU cash!

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admits the absence of Carlos Tevez for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United has come as a huge blow for his side.Mancini confirmed on Thursday that Tevez could miss the next four weeks with a hamstring injury – at a time when City are not only fighting for their first trophy in 35 years, but also to finish in the top four in the English Premier League.

The club’s hopes of finishing in the Champions League places were dented on Monday night after being thumped 3-0 by Liverpool – and Tevez limped off in that match with an injury that now rules him out of Saturday’s derby.

“Tevez is not available for Saturday. I think he will recover in three or four weeks. It is a big problem but we can’t take any risks,” Mancini said.

“We have six games left and hopefully we can get Carlos back for the last two or three games.”

The Argentina striker, City’s top scorer, could be fit in time for the FA Cup final if Manchester City get there, with either Stoke or Bolton the opponents at Wembley.

Mancini will have to rely on either Edin Dzeko or Mario Balotelli to shoulder the goalscoring burden in Tevez’s absence.

“I still have to decide what to do. But both players know this is an important chance for them,” Mancini said.

“Every player knows this is an important moment for the club. If we will we can go to a final, so every player will give 100 percent.”

Mancini has had to fight off speculation regarding his job at Eastlands and there have been reports that he could be sacked if City fail to finish in the top four.

But he insists everyone at the club should be content as he looks towards the Wembley showdown with rivals United.

“We should be happy at the moment as it’s the first time in a long time are in the semi-final. We have a good chance of this and the Champions League,” Mancini said.

“The fans should be happy for this situation and for this game. We need to focus on this game and we need to understand it is very important. If we play well, we can get to the final.”

“United are in good form. They are very strong but I am not worried about this game – I am sure we will play well.”