Grayson aims high

Blackpool boss Simon Grayson has immediately set his sights on taking the Tangerines into the Premiership.

Grayson has masterminded the Seasiders’ transformation from Coca-Cola League One relegation favourites in October to 2-0 play-off final victors over Yeovil at Wembley yesterday.

Robbie Williams, the left-back on loan from Barnsley, curled home a free-kick in the 43rd minute before Keigan Parker added a second in the 52nd to confirm Blackpool’s return to the second tier of English football after a 29-year-absence.

Bloomfield Road chief Grayson confirmed club president Valery Belokon had challenged him to take the club into the top flight.

“Mr Belokon set me the target of taking the club into the Championship by the end of next season and into the Premiership after five years.

“We have achieved the first part of the equation and even though reaching the Premier League looks far in the future, you have to have dreams and ambition.

“Next season will prove a big challenge for us but it is not one we are scared of.

“Although I am not saying we are going to be competing at the top of the Championship table straight off, I see no reason why we cannot be a solid team in the middle of the table.

“Colchester did it last season so why not us?

“We have players at the club who have been there and done it at Championship level as well as young players with plenty of ambition. So if we can make one or two signings during the summer then I believe we can be optimistic.

“After that you look at clubs like Wigan, who have gone all the way, and see getting to the Premiership can be possible.”

First though, Grayson intends resolving the futures of goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, on loan from Huddersfield, and Williams.

Williams is out of contract with Barnsley but is expected to be offered new terms.

Meanwhile, Yeovil manager Russell Slade is also planning signings at Huish Park.

He said: “I am expecting the players in on Tuesday and I will talk to them about the future then.

“However, I also hope to be making a few signings over the summer because I am not looking backwards at yesterday’s final, I am looking forward.

“This football club can still get to the Championship, we can still be successful.”

Slade also confirmed Chris Cohen, who was substituted 40 minutes into Sunday’s game, has suffered a recurrence of his groin injury.

Slade said: “Chris needed an injection before the game because he was not really fit. He will go in for surgery on Tuesday.”