Our League One lowdown continues as we take a look at Peterborough United’s 2018-19 opposition.
Next up, we put Blackpool under the microscope…
2017-18: THE STORY
After achieving promotion via the play-offs in 2016-17, Blackpool continued their impressive form last season in League One losing just two of their opening ten matches. Gary Bowyer’s side eased any relegation fears early on with that form before finishing in 12th place, three places and four points behind Posh.
The Tangerines made very early exits in the Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup losing in the first round in both competitions. They did manage to top their Checkatrade Trophy group before being knocked out by Shrewsbury Town on penalties in the last 16.
STADIUM: BLOOMFIELD ROAD
Blackpool boast one of the larger stadiums in League One with a capacity of 16,750. It is an all-seater stadium but often has a beach as a pitch, such is the amount of sand put on all the bare patches!
The stadium opened in 1887 under the name ‘Gamble’s Field’ before being renamed two years later when South Shore FC and Blackpool merged. Away fans are housed in the Stan Morternsen Stand at one end of the ground, which can hold up to 2,5000 supporters.
MANAGER: GARY BOWYER
As a player, Gary Bowyer was on the books of Hereford United, Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United, but he made just over 50 first team appearances before being struck down by injury that ended his career aged just 26!
He soon turned his attention to coaching and took up a part-time role with Ilkeston before managing non-league side Carshalton Athletic between 1998 and 2000. After undertaking academy roles with Derby County and Blackburn Rovers, he was appointed caretaker manager at Ewood Park in 2012 and 2013 before taking the job on a permanent basis between April 2013 and November 2015.
Bowyer was announced as the Blackpool manager in June 2016 on a rolling 12-month contract. The Tangerines had suffered relegation from League One the previous season but Bowyer guided his side to an immediate return to League One via a 2-1 play-off final win over Exeter City in May 2017.
TOP SCORER: KYLE VASSELL
Former Posh striker Kyle Vassell struck 11 goals in 29 matches last season as he suffered from a number of injuries. It was the second season in a row Vassell had top scored for the Tangerines after he joined the Bloomfield Road outfit in 2016 on a free transfer from Posh.
His contract expired at the end of the season but despite being offered a new contract, Vassell has been snapped up by new Championship side Rotherham United.
LAST MEETING: BLACKPOOL 1 – 1 PETERBOROUGH UNITED
The Tangerines edged the possession during this match with 53% but they only had one shot on target which they scored from on the stroke of half-time. That Nathan Delfouneso goal in the third minute of added time in the first half cancelled out Jack Marriott’s 21st minute strike.
If only we had VAR in use as the equalising “goal” was bundled in to the net via Delfouneso’s arm! This was one of many incorrect decisions by match official Eddie Ilderton! He also gave a number of corners when they should`ve been goal kicks and throw-ins given the wrong way!
2018/2019 MATCH DATES
Sat, 29th September, 2018 – 3pm – Posh v Tangerines
Sat, 13th April, 2019 – 3pm – Tangerines v Posh
COMINGS AND GOINGS:
IN
Harry Pritchard (Maidenhead) – Free
Michael Nottingham (Salford City) – Free
John O’Sullivan (Carlisle United) – Free
Joe Dodoo (Rangers) – Loan
Chris Taylor (Bolton Wanderers) – Free
Jordan Thompson (Rangers) – Free
Joe Bunney (Northampton Town) – Loan
OUT
Colin Daniel (Peterborough United) – Free
Will Aimson (Bury) – Free
Kyle Vassell (Rotherham United) – Free
HEAD TO HEAD:
|
Competition
|
Posh Wins
|
Draws
|
Tangerines Wins
|
|
League
|
15
|
8
|
13
|
|
League Cup
|
3
|
2
|
0
|
|
TOTAL
|
18
|
10
|
13
|
