Regen to Legend // Jan-19

Blackpool start to lose focus ahead of big FA Cup tie
There has been much speculation of late surrounding the future of the Blackpool boss Bruce Parker. He is targeted by teams from higher leagues and is understood to have turned down an approach by Championship sides Huddersfield Town and Wigan. Given Blackpool’s start to the season it is no surprise that their side is receiving plaudits, but for the rookie manager to be this sort after is a shock.

When grilled on his commitment to the Tangerines Parker said “I am 100% dedicated to Blackpool, we have started something special here and I want to continue. I was approached from a few sides but I have turned them down.”
The uncertainty surrounding the club could not come at a worse time given ahead of their biggest task of the season so far. On Saturday they face Championship side Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup 3rd Round at Bloomfield Road. Blackpool struggled in the previous round playing 210 minutes before they could finally beat Crawley Town. An extra time goal from fullback Luke Higham was the difference between the sides. The Seasiders have also struggled in the league, winning just once in their last five.

League Two results during December

Blackpool have found goals hard to come by of late, scoring only seven in seven. Although the defence has been tight, too many draws have seen the side slip to 6th in the League Two table.

League Two table in January 2019

Ahead of the FA Cup game we spoke to striker Dave Pearce to get an idea of the mood around the camp. He said of the situation “the mood is good, we have had a few disappointing results but we just need to get back to winning. It will be a shame to lose the boss as he gave me a chance, but I just need to prove to everyone that I am worth a place in the side”. With three assists in his last five games, Pearce is providing a good platform to build from, but the team’s chances are few and far between.

Dave Pearce recent form for Blackpool

The only other shining light of the last few weeks has been Pearce’s strike partner Jack Redshaw. With January approaching the forward was attracting much attention, but has now committed his future to Blackpool with a new deal. After a run of six games without scoring, Redshaw now has three in his last two games and will be looking to roll this form into the Forest game.

Blackpool goal scorers in the previous fixtures

Blackpool have a difficult run of games after the FA Cup clash with Forest. They must face three of their promotion rivals in the coming months starting at home to Portsmouth on Tuesday.

Nottingham Forest currently sit 21st and just one point outside of the relegation zone in the Championship.

The Championship table January 2019

They are not on great form at the moment, but they face a Blackpool with just one win in their last six league games. The Championship side will be without winger Lica who has three goals and five assists this season. He is out with a hernia injury and full back Eric Lichaj is suspended.

Join us on Saturday for a minute by minute of the big game

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