Blackpool Gazette
Ollie can't ask for any more
Ian Holloway was over the moon with his side's performanceIAN Holloway was 'absolutely delighted' with his side's 2-1 victory against Newcastle.
The boss praised his team for the way they had gone about securing the victory.
He said: "I am absolutely delighted, we set off and started to run at Newcastle and passed the ball around them. I don't think they realised what was hitting them.
"People might say they have lost a lot of big-name players since they were relegated but you only have to look at their team sheet to realise what talent they have still got at the club.
"We had to draw on a lot of experience, particularly up front where I had to play both our senior pros Jason Ewell and Brett Ormerod.
"They worked their socks off for me and got a goal each and you can't ask anything more than that.
"We have got to keep this going now and prove that it's not some sort of one-off."
Hughton's side could have gone back to the top above West Brom and Middlesbrough with victory.
Newcastle had taken the lead through Andy Carroll but the home side hit back through Brett Ormerod and Jason Euell to secure three points.
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton admitted: "I am bitterly disappointed, Blackpool were better than us in every department, especially in the first half.
"We need to regroup quickly as we have another big game at the weekend.
"I thought we came into the game a lot more strongly after the break and we finished quite well and were perhaps unlucky not to have grabbed an equaliser but over the course of 90 minutes we were not the better side on the night."
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpool-football-club/Ollie-can39t-ask-for-any.5654526.jpShields Gazette - 'Newcastle didn't know what hit them' - Blackpool boss17 September 2009
BLACKPOOL boss Ian Holloway was full of praise for his team after their 2-1 victory over Newcastle United last night.
He said: "I am absolutely delighted. we set off and started to run at Newcastle and passed the ball around them. I don't think they realised what was hitting them.
"People might say they have lost a lot of big-name players since they were relegated, but you only have to look at their teamsheet to realise what talent they have still got at the club.
"We had to draw on a lot of experience, particularly up front, where I had to play both our senior pros, Jason Ewell and Brett Ormerod.
"They worked their socks off for me and got a goal each, and you can't ask anything more than that.
"We have got to keep this going now and prove that it's not some sort of one-off."
www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/39Newcastle-didn39t-know-what-hit.5654869.jpAnd pre-game
Ollie wants Bloomfield Road buzzing
Ian Holloway is rubbing his hands together at the prospect of being the first boss to beat NewcastleBy Steve Canavan
IAN Holloway has admitted he's excited and relishing the challenge of trying to become the first Championship boss to beat Newcastle.
Holloway points out it is important to be realistic. Newcastle are top and have 16 points – "that's already double what we have and then some, so it shows what we're up against," he said.
Add to that a knee injury likely to keep Ben Burgess out and the fact that Pool are coming off the back of a first defeat, and it's clear it will be tough.
But ahead of tonight's sell-out clash for a first league meeting with the Magpies in 38 years, the manager is in fine form.
"My glass is always half full," said Holloway. "Some people might say 'you've just lost your first game and now you're playing top of the league' – and they are on fire, won five and drawn one. Some might say 'oh dear, let's batten down the hatches'.
"But I don't look at it like that. I am looking at their weaknesses.
"I am looking at where we might be able to score a goal and get the crowd buzzing and throw Newcastle a challenge.
"I would love for us to put on a good show, frighten them to death and maybe nick it – or maybe blast them off the park!
"But you've got to be realistic. We have to try to compete with these people because they have started brilliantly and I think they will carry on like that.
"But it is what is in your heart that matters and whatever happens, I want Newcastle to leave our place thinking Blackpool are a good side, they gave us a game.
"That's what excites me because I believe my lads play some very good football and it has been really enjoyable for me as manager.
"I am often watching what they're doing and really enjoying it. There hasn't been one moment where I've been thinking 'oh my God' and I'm sure it won't happen tonight."
If Burgess doesn't make it – and Holloway isn't confident – Hameur Bouazza is almost certain to make his debut, with either Jason Euell or Brett Ormerod pushed into the central striking role.
Alex Baptiste will also return – which means Rob Edwards could be sweating on his place.
Whoever he picks, Holloway will issue strict instructions about how to start.
"We've got to begin the game with a good tempo. We've got to get close to people and put them under pressure," he said.
"If you stand off anybody, they'll pass it round you for fun. I don't think that will happen. We've already had games against two Premier League sides at home this year and we got it right against both Wigan and Everton.
"They didn't expect it. We were high tempo, in their faces and didn't give them space, and we came out with two good results.
"So let's see if we can do it again."
Newcastle are unbeaten in their opening six games, Pool haven't lost any of their four league and cup matches at Bloomfield Road.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpool-football-club/Ollie-wants-Bloomfield-Road-buzzing.5652255.jp