Blackpool F.C.: Riga's Revolution

Blackpool will benefit immensely from Edu's experience in Azerbaijan, it's an elite footballing nation.

@Walter: Both great additions, even without the help of Oyston! I'd probably would have been fked if these two didn't sign!

@Feliks: I sense the sarcasm

Freshly off handed the reigns at Blackpool, the Belgian has set his goals into a 'comfortable mid-table finish'. In an interview with a local and fan-made website, http://www.seasiderspodcast.co.uk/, Riga spoke of how he was going to manage his side, amongst other topics.

Journalist: How did you learn that Blackpool approached you?

José Riga: Through my agent. If I'm frank, when my agent called and told me Blackpool were interested, I refused. I had read and heard some of the things said about the club, especially the results these couple of last years, but Karl [Oyston] kept insisting and that showed that they really did want me. I started planning out the team, potential signings, stuff like that.

Journalist: How have your first few days been at the club?

José Riga: I've taken over a few training sessions and I have to say that I'm really pleased with some of the players. At the moment, we're focusing on how we really want to play, and for personal reasons, I shall not reveal any formation I might be using. We have 3 practices per day, where the team is focusing on heavily on the tactics and defending, as I believe this will be key throughout this long ardurous season.

Journalist: Considering the club's finances, will you sell any players?

José Riga: Right now, we've had a lucrative offer from a Championship club for one of our players, whose name will remain confidential until a future announcement. In these situations, I have no say over any outgoing transfer, so that's up to Karl [Oyston] to decide. There are rumors that a lot of teams will try and loan or sign any of the players, but if I am frank, a good offer must be made to lure Karl [Oyston] into selling.

Journalist: What is the club's target, and what are yours?

José Riga: Right now, whatever the club targets, I must achieve it. For private reasons, I must not say what the bar is, but I think that I can speak in the name of the club and all linked to it, that the club must achieve a better finish than last season. My father once said,"If you don't keep going ahead, you'll regress."

Journalist: Any players that have impressed you?

José Riga: Definitely Edu and Joan Oriol, they have been fantastic, along with Jose Miguel Cubero. I am really impressed by two youngsters from the U18's, who are Dominic Telford and Mark Waddington, in order to improve our squad depth.

Journalist: Have you decided which players will leave on a temporary basis?

José Riga: No, I have yet to decide whether they will go out on loan. However, it's really up to them whether they show their credentials during the pre-season friendlies and pass on the quality they have done during these past training sessions.

Journalist: Have you looked to sign new players?

José Riga: At the moment, I'll have to work with what the team has, but if an opportunity arises that satisfies all parties, we'll try and seal the deal. Right now, we've focused upon players who are unattached and giving them the opportunity to prove themselves and train with the squad.

Journalist: If you mind, would you reveal some names?

José Riga: Right now, I can't. The fans are welcome to watch our trainings, but the club has set a price of £5 per person, in order to raise funds. I've put aside £200 for fans who arrive for the next training session tomorrow in the morning. Remember, first come, first serve!

Journalist: Thank you, José.

José Riga: It's been a pleasure.

Don't forget to buy the custom fan-made Blackpool items in our store!

Blackpool have confirmed that they have taken Jamie O'Hara, Sean St. Ledger and former Arsenal graduate, Fran Merida, on trials in a bid to improve their match fitness and earn a potential contract at Blackpool. These news have been greeted in positive fashion, with Joan and Eduardo Oriol signing for the club in the past days.


The freshly appointed Blackpool manager, José Riga, has swiftly dismissed rumors that they are interested in Belarusian player, Pavel Savitskiy, stating that any deal involving the club wouldn't satisfy all parties. He has also revealed that two new staff have arrived, with Paul Montgomery and David Hamilton arriving in the capacity of scouts.

He has also confirmed that they have opened talks with controversial striker Nile Ranger and the experienced Ishmael Miller in a bid to improve a non-existent attack before they play Grasshoppers in the coming days.

It must pain you to have to write about going after Ranger, you should have removed him with the editor or something

Jamie O'Hara? There's a name I haven't heard in a long time. Let's hope he does the job for you

Nice updates Pauker. Merida I think will be a great signing, but Nile Ranger will be a waste of space. Ishmael Miller is better and has a good temperament in comparison with Ranger. Montgomery and Hamilton are two fantastic scouts so I'm sure they'll uncover some talent for you to poach!

St.Ledger & O'Hara could turn out to be very good players for you if you do sign them!

Couple of good players there Pauks, sign em' up.

good job mate. very nice you save. i hope you will watch may story

Woooo, Jamie O'Hara! <3

@Feliks: It's 150 p/w so, it ain't bothering me :P.

@Jack: He has the ability to improve an almost non-existent midfield at Blackpool.

@Walter: They're all on trial, which gives them the opportunity to impress and if the opportunity of a bargain arises, Riga will pounce.

@Justice: They would surely improve the team!

@Josh: There's a little bit of budget problems at Blackpool, so the deal has to value the money .

@X-Gam3r: Thanks!

@Pompey:

Blackpool have announced that Joe Lewis has joined the club in a one season-loan. Following Riga's arrival and Gilks departure in the close-season, a move for a goalkeeper was always in the cards. With Elliot Parish, who joined the club in January from Crystal Palace as the only recognized goalkeeper in the team, Lewis has been brought to fight Parish for the #1 jersey.

However, Lewis was not the only transfer that Blackpool announced today, with Francois Zoko arriving on a free transfer. Further movement from Riga is expected for the front line, as The Daily Star exclusively stated that former Villa striker, Nathan Delfonueso, could join Riga's squad, pending on personal terms and a medical.


Blackpool fans will probably be unhappy at the fact that Delfonueso had a failed loan spell at the club, last season, making over 15 appearances and having no return for goals. Riga however, strongly believes that Delfonueso can turn the page around and feel like at home at Blackpool.

Riga said,"All of these signings will add depth to our squad no matter what. I know that Nathan [Delfonueso] has played here before so it can become a lot easier than the last time he was here. With the scouting pool, we've found great players like Francois Zoko and a very good goalkeeper in Joe [Lewis]. Many fans state that we are getting the 2nd goalkeeper from Cardiff, but to get there is tough and every goalkeeper starts as a #2 and it definitely helps them look from outside the field, rather than thrown into the lions pit."

Despite his lack of goals Delfouneso is a player whose had experience with a PL side like Villa and is probably more or less a Championship calibre player so I like him. Zoko... err, not so much, but I think he can still make an impact, I guess. And Lewis is going to need to be good, for obvious reasons nice update Pauker!

@Walter: Considering past experiences, I also too would rely much more on Delf rather than on Zoko.