Armfield praise as Blackpool off to flier
Armfield spent his entire career at Bloomfield Road and was present at the DW Stadium on Saturday to witness Blackpool’s staggering 4-0 victory over Wigan.
As someone who remembers the Seasiders’ glory days, including the famous 1953 Matthews FA Cup final, Armfield had to pinch himself on his journey home last night when he thought about how far his old team had come.
“If someone had asked me 10 years ago, I would have said it was impossible for Blackpool to enjoy those times again,” he said.
“We were in the bottom division for half a century, getting crowds of 2,000. What has happened over the past few months has come as a surprise to everyone. Even in March, after a draw with Crystal Palace, I thought that was it and at least we had established ourselves in the Championship.
“But we went on an incredible run at the end of the season, enjoyed a dream day at Wembley in the play-off final and after yesterday, you would have to say the dream is continuing.”
Blackpool were assisted by some truly shambolic Wigan defending, which Latics boss Roberto Martinez branded “unacceptable”.
But once Gary Taylor-Fletcher had put the visitors ahead, there was never any real sign of a comeback. In a match that was switched because Blackpool’s stadium was not ready in time due to the extensive redevelopment required to meet Premier League standards, Marlon Harewood’s double ensured Blackpool were three in front by the break and Alex Baptiste exposed Chris Kirkland to net a bizarre fourth.
“It was important to start well because we have four of our first five games away from home,” said Armfield. “Wigan was an opportunity to get points on the board because they are a town team, as we are. But I never expected anything like that. But people should never underestimate Ian Holloway.”
Chelsea’s hammering of West Brom at Stamford Bridge may have pushed Blackpool off the top of the table but there is no doubting what the most notable result of the weekend was.
As one of the few instantly recognisable faces in the Blackpool squad, Harewood has a major part to play if the club are to survive. And he certainly could not have got off to a better start just 48 hours after his arrival at the club.
“Days like this, when the sun comes out and you are playing in the top flight, are why you want to play football,” he said.
“We have a good squad. The team spirit is excellent and that makes it easier for us to all gel together and if we carry on like that we have a chance of staying up.”
After his contract ran out at Aston Villa, Harewood was linked with a variety of clubs, including one in Turkey, before he agreed to join Blackpool on
“I am glad to have a chance in the Premier League again,” he said.
“I was not playing at Villa, so it was nice to be out there, doing my job, which is scoring goals. Any striker would be happy to get two goals but I am just glad to help the lads out.
“Results like this are bound to help the confidence. Our next game is Arsenal away. But we just have to take it in our stride. If you are not going to enjoy playing in the Premier League there is not much point being here.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
