By Nathan Lowe
7 May 2011 21:28:00
EPL: Ian Holloway, Tottenham Hotspur v Blackpool
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Blackpool manager Ian Holloway was brimming with pride after his Blackpool side battled for a draw away to Tottenham on Saturday.
The Seasiders now sit just above the relegation zone on 36 points, a goal difference of just one separating them and 18th place Wigan.
Despite an ominous fixture away to Manchester United on the last matchday of the campaign, Holloway is determined to keep his side up, and revelled in his pride for his players.
“I told you before the game – we believe in ourselves again,” he told ESPN.
“We’ve had a bit of a wobble but there’s a lot of football still to play yet. If we can continue to produce performances like that who’s to say we can’t get out of this relegation battle?
“The most important thing is that we needed something today and we got something. Who’s to say that it might just be enough by next week?
“It looks like it’s going to go to the wire. It looks like it’s going to go to Manchester United away and who’s to say us minnows can’t go there and have to do something, because my boys – I’m so proud of them.
“We’ve had a bit of a tough couple of months, but I’d just like to remind people that this is the Barclays Premier League and we’ve got a £10 million budget.
“My boys are earning every penny. They’re brilliant and I love them and I’m very proud.”
Charlie Adam had a second half penalty saved by Heurelho Gomes before sticking one away just minutes later, although Holloway admitted he thought team-mate DJ Campbell should have had the chance to score it.
“I was trying to stay calm,” Holloway added.
“Normally Charlie Adam puts them in – but it was a great save – and sort it out amongst yourselves really who will take the next penalty.
“I thought DJ Campbell should have took it but Charlie’s gone in and shows what character he’s got – smashed it in – and they’ll probably have a row about it on the way home.”
Spurs striker Jermain Defoe scored soon after to bring the match level and Holloway couldn’t even begrudged the England man for scoring, even though the two dropped points could prove crucial for his side as they try to battle the drop.
“I’m not disappointed; I admire Jermain Defoe,” said Holloway. “If he doesn’t want to play for them he can come and play for us, we’ll borrow him.
“But at this level it’s so exciting, to see him get it and turn – yeah there was something wrong with us, we didn’t quite get that right – but as I say we’re learning and he’s struck it so beautifully.”