Belokon beams at Ollie feat

Tangerines owner claims Holloway has earned Premier League 'glory'

Last updated: 24th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Belokon beams at Ollie feat

Holloway: High praise

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Valeri Belokon insists Ian Holloway deserves the highest praise for getting Blackpool into the Premier League.

The Seasiders are back in England's top division for the first time in 39 years after overcoming Cardiff City 3-2 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday.

And Belokon, the joint Blackpool owner, was keen to divert attention to the hero of the weekend triumph.

He said: "Ian Holloway will go down as the first manager to lead Blackpool into the Premier League, and he deserves all the glory.

"As for me, who knows? In 20 years, I might be coming to Bloomfield to be greeted by banners saying 'Belokon Out'."

True colours

Roman Abramovich and others can expect a closer view at Bloomfield Road next season.

Belokon has vowed to bring a bit of colour to the lives of the Premier League "suits" and dust down his lucky tangerine outfit for Blackpool's big matches in the top flight.

The Latvian businessman, who bought into the club four years ago when they were hovering just above the League One relegation zone.

"I decided at the last minute not to wear it against Yeovil three years ago in the League One play-offs," said the Seasiders supremo.

"But this time the stakes were higher, so I decided it was time to show my true colours.

"Now we can welcome Manchester United and Chelsea. It's incredible. I hope they enjoy coming and, yes, I will wear this suit to welcome Roman Abramovich, especially if it's an important fixture for our league position."