Is this Ian Holloway's last shot with Blackpool?

Blackpool's brief sojourn in the Premier League will be best remembered for their cavalier style, which saw them become one of the most 'must-watch' teams in the land.

Their attacking and entertaining football usually guaranteed goals at either end, even if it proved their ultimate undoing.

Even so it was a hugely enjoyable period for all associated with the club, not least boss Ian Holloway, who saw his stock rise too. Manager, club, and supporters are desperate to reclaim their seat at the top table and give it another go.

They were unfortunate last season, after coming through a tough play-off semi-final against Birmingham, they were defeated at the last hurdle by West Ham, in a narrow 2-1 game at Wembley.

Losing like that is so difficult to bounce back from, but that is what Blackpool have done so far. They currently sit second in the Championship, a point off leaders Blackburn, and barring a disaster, you can safely bet they will be in the promotion mix come May, whether that be via an automatic spot or the play-offs again.

They have been in scintillating form this season, destroying Ipswich 6-0 and Middlesborough 4-1, and have the highest goal difference in the division, with a 1-0 loss to Leicester the only blemish on their league record.

So the signs are good, that they have a chance of reaching the Premier League promised land, but the Championship is fiercely competitive, with Blackburn, Wolves, Hull, and Cardiff among the teams who will look to put up a good fight.

Blackpool's advantage is that they came so close last season, have a renewed sense of determination, and have kept their squad together, with Thomas Ince in superb form.

Our question is though, is that if Blackpool are ultimately unsuccessful, will Holloway walk away? 

Picking himself up after a relegation, and a play-off loss were big asks, and whether he would have the energy to do it again is another matter. He is an enigmatic manager, who would have little problem walking into another job.

He is also a proud man, who if unsuccessful, may fall on his sword and allow somebody else to take the reigns. He in turn could refresh himself by taking a new challenge elsewhere.

Right now, Blackpool are riding high and looking good, so perhaps they should just concentrate on that. But if there is a possibility it is Holloway's last shot, then it should sharpen their focus even more to give it their all to succeed, and ensure that promotion is achieved, so that he sticks around.

Can Blackpool go up? If not, what then for Holloway? 

image: © joncandy

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.