Holloway plans for survival

Oyston warns top-flight bosses not to underestimate Seasiders

Last updated: 23rd May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Holloway plans for survival

Holloway: Thinking ahead

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Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is planning for survival in the Premier League after guiding the club to the Promised Land.

The Seasiders secured a place in the top flight following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cardiff in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.

They have automatically been installed as favourites for relegation next season, but Holloway takes heart from former second-tier clubs who have avoided the drop in the past.

"There are leagues within that league," he told Sky Sports News of the Premier League.

"Wolves managed to stay up and other teams have managed to stay up.

Peril

"We are just trying to build the club forward and it is just fantastic for us.

"Whatever happens, we are in the best league in the world. They have already got a massive head-start on us, but let's see."

Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston hailed the character of Holloway after the Wembley win.

The colourful antics of Holloway have in the past seen him branded a figure of fun, but Oyston believes rival Premier League managers would do well not to underestimate his side next term.

"He's done fantastically well this season," Oyston said. "I think people take him the wrong way at their peril because underneath the persona is a very serious and committed and organised individual."

Oyston added: "I've a stand to build and training ground to develop and players to sign, so I think I'll be that busy that the reality will soon hit home with the amount of work."