Ian Holloway claims Premier League want Blackpool relegated

EPL: Ian Holloway, Tottenham Hotspur v Blackpool

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Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has claimed that Premier League chiefs want to see his side relegated.

The Tangerines face Manchester United on Sunday needing a result, and many have speculated that Sir Alex Ferguson will field a second string.

Blackpool received a fine earlier in the season by the FA for selecting what was deemed a weakened side against Aston Villa, and a debate has arisen in recent weeks as to why the law is seemingly not applicable to the division’s top sides when they rest key players.

Holloway told reporters: “They will be relieved if we lose and get relegated. Then I am not badgering them.

“I am so annoyed. Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner. He would never dream of not being interested in winning any match. That man deserves to pick whatever team he wants to pick. No one should question it.

“Look at his record. Those people running the game, what planet are they on? They must have beamed down from planet Zarf. They are not in the right world.

“They think we can only beat Manchester United if they are weak. What a load of baloney. Unfortunately, that is what we are dealing with.”

Many pundits have played down Blackpool’s chances of picking up results on Sunday, but Holloway his side can get a result against the champions.

He contiuned: “Already, they are saying ‘Blackpool can’t beat them’. I am glad I don’t go to work thinking that, otherwise I would never have got promoted last year.

“I would have been relegated from the Championship because that is what everyone said was going to happen.

“That attitude offends me. It upsets me on a personal note about my club and definitely on a Manchester United note. How dare they talk about Sir Alex like that? Haven’t they seen his hairdryer? Haven’t they seen how successful he is.

“Ask Schalke if they think Manchester United have a weak team.

“On Sunday, we have to try and do the impossible. It’s got to be perfect. No one else has beaten them. And if we do, they might get fined because we are rubbish.”

The fate of a number of Blackpool’s rests on Premier League survival, with many players’ contracts stipulating that they can negotiate new deals with the club if they remain in the top flight.

Holloway continued: “There has been no leeway. My chairman has done the bare minimum at this moment. If we stay up they will have a chance to negotiate better terms.

“It is slightly demotivating. I guess this weekend will see if I am any good as a motivator.”