Blackpool's rock

Wright: club need to keep boss

If they keep hold of Ian and they keep hold of the players they've got and add to that then there's no reason why they can't stay up.

Alan Wright
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Alan Wright says Blackpool can survive in the Premier League next season - as long as Ian Holloway stays at the club.

Holloway guided Blackpool to the top flight for the first time in 39 years following a 3-2 Championship Play-Off final victory over Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon.

The Tangerines are likely to be among the favourites for relegation next season, but former defender Wright believes the club are "well capable" of avoiding the drop.

He says Blackpool supporters can look at the example set by a club like Stoke City, who were promoted in 2008, as inspiration but they need to keep hold of their best players - and most importantly their manager - if they are to stay up.

"People are going to start looking at Ian Holloway and whether he can perhaps do it at a bigger club," Wright told Sky Sports News.

"So first and foremost he's got to decide. Not knowing Ian too well, I think the way he comes across is he knows he's got a continuing job on his hands and I think he's up for that job.

"If they keep hold of Ian and they keep hold of the players they've got and add to that then there's no reason why they can't stay up.

"I know you look at Burnley and they've come up and gone back down, but look at Stoke. They've come in, just escaped relegation and kicked on again.

"They're well capable of doing it, but it just depends what resources and finances are available to Ian.

"And can he do it in the Premier League because it's unknown ground to him?"

Aim

Wright, who played for Blackpool from 1989 to 1991, admits Blackpool are likely to be on the end of some heavy defeats against the Premier League's big boys next year.

But he says the club's survival fight will be enjoyable and will bring huge rewards for the town.

"They've got to try and aim to stay in the league," Wright continued.

"Whatever resources and what money becomes available to spend, only the chairman and the football club will know that.

"But if they escape relegation by goal difference that would be another huge achievement.

"They've got to enjoy it. The big clubs that are going to come - Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and clubs like that - they might come and give them a good hiding but they'll still enjoy the experience and the income that's going to be provided for the club and the town.

"It's going to be a long, hard season but one that I'm sure that they're thoroughly going to enjoy."