Ollie hails play-off final-bound Blackpool
Last updated : 14 May 2010 By Luke Thornhill
Ian Holloway, the Blackpool manager, described the performance that saw them reach the Championship play-off final as the best display under his reign.
A hat-trick from DJ Campbell helped the Seasiders to a 4-3 victory in the second leg of their semi-final against Nottingham Forest, sealing a 6-4 aggregate win.
"I said it would have to be the best we have ever played if we were to do it - and I think it was the best we have ever played," said Holloway.
"I am very proud. We knew it would be tough and I didn't know if we would have the answers to the questions they asked.
"We are still learning and still evolving but we have achieved something mega. We are within 90 minutes of playing in the Premier League and that is unbelievable."
Blackpool twice came from behind and they will face either Cardiff or Leicester at Wembley on May 22.
Robert Earnshaw scored after seven minutes to level the tie, but Campbell levelled 10 minutes after the break to put Blackpool back into the aggregate lead.
Earnshaw ensured all was level after 66 minutes, but the tie turned during a seven minute spell. First, Stephen Dobbie put Blackpool back in the driving seat after 72 minutes then goals from Campbell after 76 and 79 minutes ensured it would be the Lancashire side heading to Wembley.
Billy Davies, the Forest boss, pointed to the inexperience of his players.
"These young players froze on the night. Young players that have been outstanding all season and who did great to finish third - it was just too much," he said.
"In big games you have to be confident enough to get on the ball and show composure and bravery and an arrogance second to none, but we didn't do that.
"Credit to Blackpool, they handled it better than we did. We had too many players freeze on the night.
A hat-trick from DJ Campbell helped the Seasiders to a 4-3 victory in the second leg of their semi-final against Nottingham Forest, sealing a 6-4 aggregate win.
"I said it would have to be the best we have ever played if we were to do it - and I think it was the best we have ever played," said Holloway.
"I am very proud. We knew it would be tough and I didn't know if we would have the answers to the questions they asked.
"We are still learning and still evolving but we have achieved something mega. We are within 90 minutes of playing in the Premier League and that is unbelievable."
Blackpool twice came from behind and they will face either Cardiff or Leicester at Wembley on May 22.
Robert Earnshaw scored after seven minutes to level the tie, but Campbell levelled 10 minutes after the break to put Blackpool back into the aggregate lead.
Earnshaw ensured all was level after 66 minutes, but the tie turned during a seven minute spell. First, Stephen Dobbie put Blackpool back in the driving seat after 72 minutes then goals from Campbell after 76 and 79 minutes ensured it would be the Lancashire side heading to Wembley.
Billy Davies, the Forest boss, pointed to the inexperience of his players.
"These young players froze on the night. Young players that have been outstanding all season and who did great to finish third - it was just too much," he said.
"In big games you have to be confident enough to get on the ball and show composure and bravery and an arrogance second to none, but we didn't do that.
"Credit to Blackpool, they handled it better than we did. We had too many players freeze on the night."
