The last time The Imps played today’s opponents Blackpool was on Friday 27th September at Bloomfield Road, in front of a crowd of 9,203. Ollie Yates, who was the man in the middle that night, will also be refereeing today’s match.
It was Michael Appleton’s first match in charge and it finished 2-1 to the hosts, with their goals scored by Sean Scannell (11′) and Jordan Thompson (21′) and Jack Payne scoring for The Imps just three minutes later.
Today’s Match Thread: Lincoln City v Blackpool
Time for the Q&A. Thank you to Blackpool supporters Pete and Gareth for answering our questions. The answers have been published on two pages. To get to the second set of answers, click “Click here for the second set of answers!” at the bottom of the page or click the name above!
First up, the answers provided by Pete from Vital Blackpool:
How long have you supported Blackpool?
Since 1965. Alan Ball was playing for Blackpool a few months before he appeared in the World Cup Final!
Where did you finish last season?
10th in League One.
What do you think of your Manager?
Mixed views. He has a good track record of getting clubs promoted from this division, but many of us think his tactics are too defensive and that he hasn’t got the best out of the players. To be fair to him he has only been here 6 months and he inherited a squad short on quality. He probably needs a couple of transfer windows to improve things.
Who Are The League One Managers? No.3: Simon Grayson (Blackpool)
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2019/20 season?
In the summer I saw this season as one of consolidation after finally removing our previous owners, the Oystons, after 25 years. I am disappointed we haven’t done better though, as there are not many quality teams in this league.
One(s) to watch?
Gnanduillet is obviously having a decent season up front. Heneghan has been most consistent in defence. Feeney, Delfouneso and Kai Kai can produce some quality at times, but are not consistent enough.
Which teams you think will finish in the top six?
Rotherham United, Wycombe Wanderers, Peterborough United, Doncaster Rovers and hopefully, Blackpool (if we can sign a few players this month).
Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom three?
Bolton Wanderers, Southend United and Tranmere Rovers.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
You are consolidating after promotion and the loss of the Cowleys and will finish mid-table.
What do you think the score will be?
1-1 draw, although I am a bit worried after your win against Bolton.
Will The Imps win, lose or draw against Blackpool?
Win
Lose
Draw
Random fact about your Club?
The only ever player to score a hat-trick in an FA Cup final was Stan Mortenson in the famous 4 -3 win against Bolton in 1953.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?
Jack Payne, as we are missing a quality attacking midfielder.
What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Blackpool Supporter?
Getting promoted to the Premier League in 2010, after 39 years in the lower divisions. We played some fantastic attacking football that season.
The Osytons were an embarrassment, for milking the Premier League monies and for suing supporters.
Who would you say is your most underrated player?
Our captain, Jay Spearing, who does a lot of the hard graft in midfield and punches way above his small size.
Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?
Yes, and they provide a key link between the supporters and the new owner/board. They were instrumental in the opposition to the Os and have lobbied at a national level for improvements in football governance.
Which was your favourite match involving Blackpool?
The playoff semi-final second leg at Forest in 2010. We won 4-3 playing some terrific football.
Which was your least favourite match involving Blackpool?
The playoff semi-final second leg in 1996 at home against Bradford. We had won the first away leg 2-0, but lost the second leg 3-0! Never been so gutted at losing a match in my life.
Do you have a Former Players Association at Blackpool?
There is certainly some organisation of former players, some of whom work with the community trust or as club representatives.
What’s the best thing about Blackpool?
Following the foreign holiday boom in the 1970s and after 40 years of neglect, the authorities are finally starting to redevelop the seafront and town. It is still a fun place to visit with the beach, fresh air, Tower, Pleasure Beach and many other attractions.
What do you think started your rise up to the Premier League then ultimate demise?
In his first stint as manager, Grayson built a decent squad over 2 or 3 seasons. Our Latvian investor, Belokon, funded a couple of quality players (including Charlie Adam) and our new manager, Ian Holloway, provided the inspirational belief and attacking football to get us promoted.
The lack of investment by the Oystons and their hiving off Premier League monies was the reason we got subsequently relegated 3 times.
Page Two: The answers provided by Gareth
"He has only been here 6 months and he inherited a squad short on quality."https://t.co/JxYVmzPrG8#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #UTMP
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) January 18, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2666778416691720
