Stoke City – The symbol of progression - http://tiny.cc/azbvf
Why it’s only right Kenny Dalglish got the Liverpool job - http://tiny.cc/ttj43
Why its a disgrace Blackpool have been fined for fielding a 'weakened team' - http://tiny.cc/awlpn
Blackpool were fined for £25,000 for fielding a ‘weakened side’ against Aston Villa in November. This fine absolutely disgusts me. It’s a sign of contradiction and hypocrisy from the Premier League.
Yes, Blackpool lost the game, but they played very well and conceded in the 89th minute. But I’m sure by the end of the game Aston Villa didn’t rate their oppositions as a ‘weakened side.’ The most defiantly saw that Blackpool side as a threat. So is it fair the Premier League deem that Blackpool side as ‘weakened’ seeing they took this Villa team to the wire?
Holloway after the game was clearly incensed by the notion of him fielding a ‘weaker side’ against Villa. He has every right to be offended. Seeing as he played 11 players which were all included in his 25 man squad list. Surely the fact these players are in Holloway’s 25 man squad demonstrates that they are first team players for Holloway. What has Holloway done wrong? Surely he should be allowed to play any player within the enlisted 25 player squad list? Holloway commented, ‘I think it is a total disgrace that I am told who I can pick and when I can pick them.’ Holloway is utterly correct. Who are the Premier League to tell Holloway who to pick? And to have the nerve to question the ability of Blackpool’s players? Holloway wouldn’t play those players if he didn’t think they were competent at the Premier League level. Furthermore the principle of the matter is Holloway fielded 11 players which were enlisted in his 25 man squad list. Its not like he is fielding his under 18 side, Blackpool have done nothing wrong.
Blackpool’s team selection against Villa was deeply compared to when Wolves made 10 changes against Manchester United. Like Blackpool, Wolves were fined £25,000. But Wolves actually won their next which was a vital game against Burnley. Mick McCarthy was doing what he felt was best for his team and their long term ambition of staying in England’s elite league. It angers me that the Premier League assume that Wolves and Blackpool field ‘weaker sides’ because they don’t want to win. Of course they want to win. There just being realistic. They know like every manager, player and fan know that some games are more winnable than others. And some games are labelled to both fans and clubs as ‘must win games.’ And Blackpool saw West Ham as a ‘must win game.’ While Wolves saw Burnley as a ‘must win game.’
One thing which angers smaller teams in the Premier League is that the big boys are given more allowances for different situations on and off the pitch. When it comes to rotation, its fair to say the bigger Premier League clubs can get away with murder.
Liverpool in 2007 fielded a heavily rotated side against Fulham. Liverpool a few weeks later were set to face Milan in the European Cup final. Fulham won the game 1-0. And that victory saved salvaged them from relegation. But no fine was imposed on Liverpool for fielding a ‘weaker side.’ It shows the double standard attitudes of the Premier League as Liverpool in some respects have no league interests. And they are allowed to field a weakened side and have no imposed punishments. While ironically, Blackpool and Wolves rotated in order to achieve their goal of staying in this division. Yet, they were fined.
Fulham last season from around the middle of February began to heavily rotate their squad. As their brilliant Europe League run took priority over the league. Yes, Fulham are still a relatively small club, but is it fair their allowed to forget their league form for Europe? While the likes of Blackpool are fined for prioritising their league survival. Don’t get me wrong, Fulham have every right to field a rotated side in the League, if it means they have a better run in Europe. But it’s the contradictory nature of the Premier League. Who fine clubs for wanting to be in the Premier League for the longer term.
The Premier League should butt out of squad selection matters. Of course they should intervene in certain scenarios along as its within reason. I.e. a team is selecting a squad of 16 year olds. But clubs have every right to choose who they pick for certain games. Its unfair that Premier League can criticise one team then show a blind eye to another. It should be one rule for the whole of the Premier League. England’s bigger sides shouldn’t be exempt from these rules.
The fines for Wolves and Blackpool are disgraceful. After all, they are rotating in order to achieve their prime aim of maintaining their Premier League status. The Premier League have just shown that they are shambolic bunch of know it all’s who don’t know how to be equal and respectable to all 20 Premier League sides.
Watch Blackpool Manager Ian Holloway's responce to the Premier League's imposed fine on Blackpool for fielding a 'weakened side' against Aston Villa in November. Holloway is clearly very emotional at the Premier League decision to fine.Blackpool have clearly been the surprise package in this season’s Premier League. They have been brilliant with their attacking and counter attacking style and have found themselves beating the likes of Liverpool, Sunderland and Stoke City, all away from home. However, Blackpool’s fantastic season has been arguably centred on the brilliance of their playmaker Charlie Adam. Its fair to say Charlie Adam has been integral in this Blackpool side. His dynamic range of passing gives Blackpool the ability to quickly turn defence into attack. And he has the ability to thread through balls into the final third of the pitch. So its not surprising that more established Premier League clubs are looking to acquire his services. The stats also prove Adam’s importance to the side as he is the joint top assister for Blackpool, with 4 assists.
Adam is the captain of Blackpool too. As captain he has a big responsibility at the club. It also shows how much he is looked up to at Bloomfield road. As Charlie Adam sets the standard for the other Blackpool players with his brilliant ability and work ethic. But the captain handed in his transfer request on Monday (24th Jan.) This request was rejected by Blackpool. As captain, Adam should see the great responsibility and importance he has at Blackpool. As captain he more than any other player should put the team before his own personal feelings or dreams. The whole point of being a captain is to pull the players in one direction and fighting for one goal. But if the captain isn’t committed to the cause in the long run surely this will create issues within the club. As some players may argue Adam wants to leave the club, so he doesn’t deserve to be captain. 
Charlie Adam as the captain should also consider Blackpool’s defence of keeping him. As I’ve said previously in this piece, Blackpool are almost centred around Adam. Everything that’s good about Blackpool stems from him. If Adam were to leave the club in this window, it would leave the club on a lurch. As it’s already very hard to find players with quality in the January market especially with the inflated prices. And finding a replacement for someone who’s so creative for a relatively low price is incredibly difficult in January.
The captain should understand the lurch he will leave Blackpool on. This potential move in January could see Blackpool begin to fall down the table and begin to be part of the relegation battle. As there will be a massive void in Blackpool's midfield. Blackpool wont just lose his superb ability, they will also miss his leadership and the inspiration on the pitch.
Adam would leave Blackpool with far greater respect from his players, manager and Blackpool fans if he were to leave at the end of the season. As he would have seen his job through as captain and as an important player for the club. And more importantly he can help Blackpool stay in the Premier League. Leaving in January has the potential of ruining Blackpool’s fine progress in the Premier League. And maybe the fans and players will ruefully look on at Charlie Adam as his desire to leave stemmed Blackpool’s demise of relegation.
In the summer, Adam will have 12 months left on his contract. If the club want to get a decent amount of money for Adam, they will most defiantly sell him in the summer. So Charlie Adam should have no worries on weather Blackpool will be willing to sell at the end of the season. Blackpool will also have time to find a replacement and will be able to raise a tidy amount in the sale of Adam.
Adam argues, that opportunities like the interest of Liverpool may not come around again. But if Liverpool seriously respected the ability of Adam they would be willing to wait. Furthermore, it may suit Liverpool to wait till the end of the season, as they can pay a lower price than what Blackpool are asking for now. The other positive for Adam if he is sold in the summer, is that he will have far more options to choose from as the fee will have most likely have gone down due to him having 12 months left on his contract.
Most importantly, Adam should respect his position at Blackpool. He is the leader, the driving force of the team.. I’m not questioning his desire when he is on the pitch for Blackpool, but him leaving in January will leave Blackpool in an awkward position. They will lose their creativity and dynamic in midfield. Charlie Adam should do what the best captains do, give 100% in every game and then consider leaving in the summer. Then he will leave Blackpool with far more respect.
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// technoaryi
