Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton has said that Blackpool have the ability to become promotion contenders, despite them struggling in the Championship this season. Blackpool dropped out of the Premier League after just one season in the top flight, but they are in a good position to launch a promotion bid.

They are currently one place behind sixth placed the Reading, which is the final position that will ensure the ability to play in the play-offs. Blackpool came to the Premier League after winning the play-offs and it is something that they would want to try once again.

Blackpool were left lamenting “one of those days” after being frustrated by a struggling Watford side.

The Seasiders would have been hopeful of grabbing three points to bolster their efforts to secure a play-off spot, but according to Ian Evatt the side’s luck in front of goal let them down.

Speaking to the club’s official website he said: “It was very frustrating. It seemed to be one of those days today, we hit the post twice and had some great chances.

Ian Holloway has said that he is very much delighted to have the services of in-form winger Matt Phillips back in his squad. Even though Matt Phillips was not up to his best during the initial parts of the campaign, he has since recovered to score six goals in as many games, and has risen to become one of the important members of the squad.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway may be under pressure from fans, but that doesn't mean that he's going to be doing anything differently.

Whilst the Tangerine men have struggled to re-assert themselves in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League, Holloway maintains that he is the right man for the job, and that the team can and will get better.

Speaking to the local radio station, Holloway said that whilst he acknowledges that some fans have issues, it won't change the way he approaches the game.

Portsmouth are interested in signing former Blackpool striker David Varney. Varney struggled to settle at Pride Park after arriving from Charlton on a permanent basis in 2009, but revitalised his career in a loan spell at Blackpool last season.

The 28-year-old scored five goals in 30 league games for the Seasiders as they were relegated on the final day of the season back to the Championship.

Varney's impact at Bloomfield Road has seen him become sought after by several clubs, with the player himself admitting he would relish a return to Blackpool.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has said that they can avoid relegation this season, despite their poor form, according to the Free Bets website.

Holloway’s men have an impressive record against the sides they face in their battle to remain in the English Premier League, including Saturday’s visitors Wigan, who they beat 4-0 on the opening day.

“Over the last 18 points we have got to fight for, we have already got 13 points from corresponding fixtures earlier in the season,” Holloway said.

Blackpool are regretting the red card that DJ Campbell has got, which has put their survival chances in doubt. Campbell is banned for three games, starting with Monday's fixture against Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea.

"He's scored a lot of goals for us this season so he'll be a great loss," Eardley told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We're already missing Charlie [Adam - Blackpool captain] through suspension, so the other lads need to step up."

Blackpool striker DJ Campbell has made an apology for the red card he got against Wolves on Saturday.

With the Seasiders trailing 1-0 at Molineux, Campbell uncharacteristically lashed out at Richard Stearman, pushing the Wolves defender in the face.

The Tangerines forward was shown a straight red card and his side went on to lose 4-0 in the relegation clash.

To add to Ian Holloway’s troubles, Campbell will now start a three-match ban at a crucial time in the season.

Holloway described his forward's behaviour as "unacceptable", and the 29-year-old is sorry for his actions.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has drawn a line over his public spat with Blackpool. Houllier and Holloway were involved in several verbal exchanges after Villa tried to buy Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam during the January transfer window and had two bids rejected.

Holloway claimed he was unhappy Villa had made their interest in Adam public while Houllier insisted the West Midlands club did everything through the right channels. But Houllier is now more concerned at trying to win against the Seasiders, who he predicts will avoid relegation this season.

Blackpool have been fined by the football association to the tune of £ 25,000. The Seasiders boss made 10 changes to the side that drew 2-2 against Everton at Bloomfield Road the Saturday before.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway had threatened to resign if the club were fined, later saying: "I'm the manager and I manage the players how I want."

The Seasiders have 14 days to decide whether to appeal against the fine.