Swans striker Stephen Dobbie believes Blackpool boss Ian Holloway deserves another crack at the Barclays Premier League.
The colourful Holloway will bring his Tangerines to the Liberty Stadium tonight (7pm) determined to provide the Swans with a tough pre-season friendly ahead of the big kick-off on August 18.
And there’s nobody within the Swans squad that knows the quality of the Blackpool boss better than Dobbie.
The Scot spent two successful spells on loan at Bloomfield Road. The first spell saw him help fire Blackpool into the Premier League with a play-off final victory over Cardiff City at the end of the 2009-10 campaign.
Then he returned at the end of last season to help guide them back into the play-off final only to lose out to West Ham at Wembley.
“Obviously I would have preferred to be playing at Swansea, but I loved my time at Blackpool,’’ explained Dobbie. “And the main reason I enjoyed it so much was because of the manager.
“He is a fantastic character, but don’t be fooled by the image he sometimes portrays in the media because he is also a fantastic manager who knows his football.
“He is first at the training ground in the mornings and last to leave. And while he is fun in the dressing room, as soon as you are out there on the training ground it is all serious. It’s down to work and he is quick to let you know if you are not performing.
“Tactically he is excellent and gets his points across well. He knows what areas to exploit to win games – as Blackpool have proved over the last few seasons he’s been in charge there – and the players respect him and want to play for him.
“I’ve still got a lot of friends there and I keep in touch with them on a regular basis. I am really looking forward to seeing some of them tonight.
“I really hope Blackpool can get back up to the Premier League because that’s where the manager belongs. He has all the attributes and deserves to be plying his trade in the top flight.’’
Dobbie’s top priority though is to battle his way into Michael Laudrup’s plans at Swansea after playing a fringe role at the Liberty Stadium last season.
“We will just have to wait and see what happens this season,’’ added Dobbie. “All I can do is work hard on the training ground and hope to get a chance.
“It’s going to be difficult because there are already a few new faces at the club battling for places.
“But it’s a new start for everyone. The slate is clean and it’s up to each individual to state his own case.’’
Tickets for the Blackpool game are still available at the Liberty Stadium ticket office, priced at just £10 for adults and £5 concessions.
The club is anticipating a very busy walk-up prior to the game, so fans are urged to purchase tickets well in advance to avoid delays at the turnstile.
Ticket are available tonight from the ticket office our cash sales at the ticket booth.
Fans looking to purchase tickets for the Stuttgart fixture while at the stadium tonight will have to use the ticket office only.
Please note: Kick-off is at the earlier time of 7pm. Turnstiles will open at 5.30pm along with the Riverside Lounge.
Travel
Landore Park and Walk and Pentrehafod School will be open for those wishing to park and walk to the game. Please note Felindre, The Rec and Swansea Vale are not in operation tonight. The area near the tennis centre will only be opened if Landore Park and Walk is full.