Fan Focus - SAFC v Blackpool (A) Pre-Match Views

You may remember him from only a few weeks ago, we got back in touch with Blackpool fan John Campbell, who writes about the Tangerines on the excellent bfcblog.co.uk, to get his take on Saturdays match...

How have things been down at Bloomfield Road since we last spoke in December?

John: We had the loss against Birmingham who outplayed us, not too hard defeat to take as they were the better team. Then we had the win against Liverpool which was great considering we went behind and Liverpool were boosted by the return of Kenny. So it's been good but hopefully will be better in the coming weeks with a load of home fixtures to come.

The transfer window, and silly season are now officially open. Plenty of teams are being linked with Charlie Adam, do you think there are any genuine offers on the table, and will he still be wearing tangerine in February?

John: At the moment no offers and he should be in tangerine for a while. With Villa splashing out on the one that shall not be named, I don't think they'll have the money. The worry is Blackburn for me, who have a bit of cash to spend. However I think he'll move in the summer.

Any players in particular you'd like to see come in during this window? Who have you been linked with?

John: We've been linked with a few. Bradley Wright-Phillips who we bid for but didn't get accepted, we had a bid accepted for Adam Hammill but looks like he'll be off to Wolves. There was also interest in David Goodwillie but that might cool after recent events.

So at the moment lots of lines out but no bites.

Matt Phillips really caught my eye when we played last time, and now he seems to be getting a lot more press. Does an international future beckon?

John: He's been part of the England set up at U19 level so is in their sights. He's done great coming off the bench, but found it tough in the one game he started against Birmingham. I would expect to see him in a U21 squad soon.

Are you confident of survival as we enter the home straight of the season?

John: We're in a good position but it's not going to be easy till the end of the season. All it takes is a poor run of form and we'll find ourselves in the mix.

Blackpool have had so many great results so far this season, and its a credit to the team spirit. However, if you had to pick only one, who has been player of the season thus far?

John: Charlie Adam has been great for us, as has DJ Campbell, but for me David Vaughan has been awesome making the step up to the flight look so easy. With his current form I would expect him to pick up player of the season.

Do you fancy your chances more now Darr£n B£nt has left us? Looks like we'll only have one up front, unless there's some swift action in the window, and five across the midfield.

John: From our last encounter it might be a good thing he left, he missed some sitters. Five across midfield could be a problem, but we had more problems when Birmingham played 4-3-3.

We haven't covered ourselves with glory recently, who do you think from our team will be stepping up and causing problems for Blackpool?

John: Asamoah Gyan, now that B£nt has left have to "step up." Overall it looks like a team performance is needed.

How do you see the game going, and what's your prediction for the game?

John: It's going to be tough, I'm sure Gyan and Co will be looking to prove something. 2-2 draw with you lot coming from behind to grab a draw.

Thanks very much, and I look forward to speaking to you again after the match.

Check back with Roker Report after the game to get Johns reaction! You can see more of his opinions on bfcblog.co.uk or follow him on Twitter.