Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has urged his players to build on last weekend’s win over Northampton Town ahead of the visit of Bolton Wanderers this afternoon.
The Tangerines have enjoyed an excellent run of form since the turn of the year, losing just twice in 16 games. However, a run of nine draws in 12 outings throughout January and February has left them playing catch up in the race for the play-offs, where they currently sit 10th and seven points off the top six.
Bolton visit Bloomfield Road this afternoon harbouring play-off ambitions of their own. Bruce’s side then host another team above them in the table on Tuesday night when Reading make the trip to Lancashire. As such, this week could prove to be season-defining for the former Premier League side.
Bruce Knows Importance Of The Next Seven Days
With the campaign now in its final furlong, Bruce is ready for one last roll of the dice in order to extend his season. It’s going to be a tough ask, but the former Aston Villa and Newcastle United boss isn’t ready to give up just yet. Speaking before the game, he said:
“We have played well of late. I didn’t think we deserved to lose against Orient but certainly last week, away from home again, we were very comfortable and easily the better team.
“I hope we can get to those levels again. We will need to because Bolton are coming to town. We all know that is a big game and big challenge ahead of us, so let’s look forward to it.
“It gives us a bit of confidence and I think the team know that they are playing well. Just at the right time, we are playing well and have got everybody fit.
“We have a full squad to choose from and these are the big games. This week is the big week of the season, can we keep the season alive?
“We have somehow managed to do that over the last couple of weeks so let’s see if we can the result.”
Writer’s View
Blackpool have probably left it too late in regard to their play-off hopes but they will refuse to give up until it is mathematically impossible. Six points against Bolton and Reading would provide a huge confidence boost ahead of next weekend’s trip to Rotherham United and Bruce has no reason to doubt that his team cannot do just that. However, the reality is that they will probably be in League One next season. Keeping Bruce at the helm though would make them one of the favourites for promotion next season.
