Tuesday 29 April 2014 16:59, UK
When Gary Taylor-Fletcher's second half goal put Blackpool 2-1 up against Manchester United at Old Trafford in May 2011, it looked for a brief moment as if Ian Holloway's side would go and secure their place in the Premier League for a second season.
"The departures of Ian Holloway, who finally had enough of broken promises, and Michael Appleton, who lasted barely two months before jumping ship, left the club in a very difficult position with seemingly no one interested in taking over," Fielding added. "After a number of failed attempts at landing a manager the club was forced to turn to Paul Ince whose style of play proved to be very negative - the antithesis of the swashbuckling football seen under Holloway. "When Ince was sacked by text in January, Karl Oyston also dismissed the back room staff - including the very popular Steve Thompson - and appointed senior player Barry Ferguson, supported by untried assistants, when an experienced manager was needed to steady the ship. This decision also cost the club its captain, as Barry didn't want to play and manage, and their most influential player in Tom Ince." SISA also point to the lack of infrastructure as well as under-funding of the team. Despite the redevelopment of Bloomfield Road, much of which was funded by Latvian president Valeri Belokon, there is a feeling that the club has cut corners. The pitch was a laughing stock in the Premier League. Last season then-manager Michael Appleton described it as a "cabbage patch" and the club were forced to borrow covers from neighbours Fleetwood Town as postponements took hold. Then there are the training facilities. Fielding added: "Despite numerous promises the players still train at very antiquated training facilities at Squires Gate famously described by Holloway as 'a hell hole'. The facilities are appalling - literally some of the worst in league football." There was one gesture of goodwill to come out of the club recently. Oyston forked out for 3,000 match tickets to be given to supporters for last Saturday's trip to Wigan Athletic. The team repaid the investment with a much-needed win that could be the one that keeps them up. It was a small good news story in a season that has left fans feeling frustrated and alienated. Soccer Saturday is on air at 11am this weekend, covering all the crucial Championship games from 12:15pm.