Blackpool boss Ian Holloway urges players to come out fighting in survival scrap: ‘We know we are the dirtiest dogs in the dogs’ home’

Blackpool Manager Ian Holloway (Getty Images)

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Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has promised that his side will fight to the end in the club’s tough fight against relegation.

The Tangerines started the season brilliantly but with just two league wins since the turn of the year they now find themselves in the drop zone.

Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to Wigan was seen as a must-win game but Holloway insists his team are not down yet.

“When you make mistakes like we did, it’s a nightmare,” Holloway told The Sun.

“We know we are the dirtiest dogs in the dogs’ home. We have got to come out fighting for every scrap.

“We are normally pretty good like that. We have got some scrapping and fighting to do.”

The Tangerines have three vital home games remaining against Bolton, Stoke and Newcastle. With trips to Tottenham and Manchester United on the horizon, the clashes on home turf could prove to be pivotal to survival hopes.

But the Premier League rookies will have to turn their home from around as they have recorded just 15 points from a possible 48 at Bloomfield Road this season.

And Holloway revealed Sunday’s PFA awards have not helped his preparations towards these crucial matches, as he was forced to give the squad a day-off on Monday.

“The players are all off to the PFA do which is a bit of a nonsense,” added the former Plymouth boss.

“It’s a disguised booze-up with ties on and some tables.

“You can all slap your backs and say how good you are. I’m not going. I’m not interested. I want to stay up.”