Nearly There...

Having already found out that they will face Macclesfield in the Carling Cup, Blackpool will tomorrow find out their order of play for the coming Championship season.

This season will undoubtedly tougher than last. The dreaded 'second season syndrome' will need to be overcome, while 11 outgoing players - with seemingly more if rumours are to be listened to - will need replacing all in time for the big kick-off in August if 'Pool are going to prove the bookies wrong once again and stave off relegation for another campaign.

With the likes of Reading, Birmingham and Derby now in The Championship, along with a mouth-watering return to Swansea City (need I say anything about the game at the end of the 06/07 season?) and a new ground in the form of the Keepmoat at Doncaster Rovers, it'll be a good year for away followers.

Then of course there's the Lancashire Derbies. Preston North End and Burnley will be coming to Bloomfield Road again next season and, if we have a repeat of the performance from the Burnley game on New Years Day against either side, then we won't be disappointed that's for sure!

The Boxing Day fixture between ourselves and Sheffield United was certainly eventful to say the least. Few would have expected us to come back from a goal behind after having Ian Evatt sent off in the opening exchanges, but we did just that through a crucial Claus Jorgensen freekick, sending the away fans into raptures. Who will we get this year on Boxing Day? Another away trip (via the pub!), or a tie at Bloomfield Road to ensure fans are within staggering distance of the game following a few too many Christmas Sherries?

At 10am tomorrow, we will be much the wiser, as the Football League will announce the fixture list for the 2008/2009 season.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.