Let Ollie do his job!

Ian Holloway was left fuming not only because his Blackpool side lost 3-2 away to Villa on Wednesday, but also because speculation has risen that he will be fined by the Premier League for making 10 changes to the side that drew to Everton. This is indeed reminiscent of last season when Wolves were fined £25,000 after fielding a significantly weaker team for the 3-0 defeat to Man United in a midweek game.

But what gives the premier League the right to investigate this incident when Holloway was merely carrying out his duties as manager, surely should be allowed to pick whatever side he wishes ahead of any game? Holloway was understandably left frustrated after these claims and confirmed that if he is fined, then he would regretfully resign as Blackpool manager as a demonstration of his discontent with the Leagues actions.

It will be fascinating to see under what terms the League can prove Holloway fielded a weakened side and the Blackpool manager has already stated that he did it to ensure all his squad were playing in the way he wants them to play, and not because he wanted to rest 10 regular first team starters. But even if Holloway or any other manager for that fact decided to rest nearly his whole squad, what gives the Premier League the right to dictate what methods the managers can take in choosing their preferred starting line-up. As Holloway correctly stated, not even his Chairman would tell him how to pick his team, so who are the Premier League to interfere in a Manager’s job description. Whether its 1 change or 11, it’s the managers prerogative to have complete control over his squad and to pick his team accordingly based on what team he deems right for each game. There is no one else in football who sees more of the Blackpool players day in day out than manager Ian Holloway, and only he knows how physically fatigued they are and how well they are performing in training. So for people to criticise him as ‘undermining the Premier League’ is an absolutely ludicrous statement and people should respect Holloways managerial methods which are clearly proving successful after an excellent start to the season, and especially after previously being tipped for a ‘certain’ relegation.

"Let them try and fine me, it's an absolute disgrace. I'll show the Premier League. We were a credit to football, and let the Premier League try to tell me otherwise."

Holloway left out first team regulars such as Captain Charlie Adam and Goalkeeper Matt Gilks but despite the absence of their star players, Blackpool will feel aggrieved to have been narrowly beaten 3-2 when on another day, they may well have won the game. More managers have come out in support of Holloway including Houllier who said after beating Blackpool that "Holloway deserves great credit for what he's doing. They throw everything offensively and make the game spectacular. I hope they stay up."

Another manager to come out in support for Holloway was Stoke manager Tony Pulis who added "Who is to say the other 10 players he left out would have done as well as the 10 that played?"

One thing that is definite is that if the Premier League decide to fine Holloway and he does indeed resign, then the English game is losing not only a great manager, but also an entertaining and passionate football fanatic who’s sense of humour and enthusiasm for the game would be sorely missed not only in Blackpool, but in the Premier League as well.

Blackpool travel away to Upton park next against West Ham and the tangerines faithful will be hoping to still have the manager in charge who against all odds, led Blackpool to promotion last season despite being tipped for relegation from the Championship.