Wiles waiting in the wings

Wiles, 23, has been knocking on the door of the first team for several years at Bloomfield Road without quite convincing the management that he is worthy of a regular starting place. This coming season could be do-or-die for Wiles and his Pool career.

The youngster came through the ranks at Blackpool with the likes of Jamie Burns and Matthew Blinkhorn. All three had spontaneous opportunities at first team level. But while Burns and Blinkhorn have been forced to move to find first team football (both at Morecambe with Blinks` being top scorer for the Shrimps last season), Wiles remains with Pool looking for his big break.

Wiles must have thought he made that break under Colin Hendry in League One. The right-sided player made 31 appearances during the 2005/06 campaign when Grayson took over from Hendry in November. Wiles scored three goals and was arguably Pool`s brightest player during a desperate early season period under Hendry.

Sadly for Simon he has struggled to make an impact on the first team squad ever since. He has spent time out on loan at Macclesfield in League Two, making 20 appearances for the Silkmen last term.

Rumours of Wiles turning down a loan move to Fleetwood last season may or may not be true but many believe Wiles has the talent to compete for a first team place at Pool.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher occupied the wide right berth last year but the former Huddersfield man may be asked to play upfront this season which could present Wiles with his big chance. Simon will need to have a good pre-season to enhance his chances of nailing down a first team spot.

Full of pace and trickery with an eye for a goal Wiles may yet fulfil his undoubted potential with Blackpool and succeed where so many youngsters at Bloomfield Road have failed.

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