Midfield Magic?

One area of the field that has divided opinion among the fans has been the midfield. Some question the creativity and others bemoan the lack of domination in the middle of the park. So who takes the plaudits and who could do better in the engine room?

Few would argue that the Seasiders best midfield pairing this season was Claus Jorgenesen and Keith Southern.

Elsewhere, David Fox and Michael Flynn had their chances but in truth neither looked capable of nailing down a first team spot for good.

It was Fox and Southern who began the season as the preferred choice in the middle of the park. Southern scored Pool`s first goal of the season in the opening day win at Leicester.

David Fox arguably remains the best passer of a ball at the club as shown in his assist for Gary Taylor-Fletcher`s goal at Wolves back in August. But Foxy often drifted in and out of games and next season could be a make or break for the former Manchester United starlet.

Simon Grayson`s preferred choices on the wings were Wes Hoolahan and Gary Taylor-Fletcher. The latter, signed from Huddersfield, took a while to win over the fans despite scoring early in the season in the games against Wolves and Hull. But GTF grew into a crucial member of the team as the season wore on and finished with six goals to his name including a brace against Charlton.

Wes remains our most gifted player at the club. Many teams ear marked him as the man to stop during the season and most opposition teams snuffed Wes out with two or three players breathing down his neck. But if we are to progress next season Hoolahan is a player who we must keep. Whether he pulls on a Tangerine shirt next season is anyone`s guess. Let`s hope he does.

Simon Grayson will doubtless seek reinforcements in midfield for next season, particularly if he can`t hang on to Hoolahan. A long term loan move for Spurs` Joe Martin looks on the cards but another midfielder arriving on a permanent deal must surely be on Larry`s shopping list too.

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