Vital MOTM: August

All through the month of August, forum member bfcluke has been asking the VitalBlackpool members whom they thought deserved the title of 'Vital Man Of The Match' following each of the Seasiders' games in the first month of the season.

Out of the 5 matches played, only one of the players voted on as MOTM played for the club last season - a sign then, surely, that Larry has once again got it right in the transfer market? One would certainly hope so, given the number of players brought in during the summer!

On the opening day of the season, little was known pre-game of who would line up for the big kick-off for the 08/09 campaign, but following the game, we had a pretty good idea who the key men would be (at least in the opening stages).

Loan signing Adam Hammill drew the plaudits that afternoon, causing the Bristol City defence all kinds of problems coming off the left wing and riling up their players and he was voted, via the VitalBlackpool Forum, as the Vital MOTM for that particular game.

Coming off the back of the draw against City, Macclesfield were the hosts for a game that the travelling Seasiders fans would have wanted to forget! However, there was still a Man Of The Match title awarded, once again to the loan man from Liverpool, Hammill. 2-0 to the new signings.

Norwich City were up next, with all the eyes on how Wes Hoolahan would fare against the club he helped gain promotion to The Championship just 2 seasons ago. Still, it didn't detract from the matter at hand and 'Pool grabbed a much deserved point with Ben Burgess netting the goal for the Tangerines from the penalty spot.

Rob Edwards - new signing from Wolves and since named as 'Pool's Captain for this season - was voted by the VitalBlackpool members as the Man Of The Match.

Following on from the fixture against the Canaries, 'Pool entertained Sheffield United. Last season's fixture between the two at Bloomfield Road ended in a 2-2 stalemate after a dreadful error by Paul Rachubka let a James Beattie shot bobble out of his hands and into the back of the net literally seconds after 'Pool took a 2-1 lead - an error that cost me upwards of £50 in potential bet winnings...not that I'm bitter about it!

Another loan signing, Steve Kabba, got off the mark in the colour of Tangerine - scoring his first goal for the club since arriving from Watford - and he also got on the scoreboard with our members, gaining the most votes and becoming the Vital MOTM.

Finally, the last game in the August fixture period was of course the live game on Sky against Southampton at St Mary's. 'Pool ran out 1-0 victors in this one, Burgess once again on target with a penalty and also walking away with the Vital MOTM award.

In a game which saw both sides hit the woodwork ('Pool on more than one occasion!) and a game which also included no less than 3 goals disallowed for the Seasiders, Burgess grabbed the plaudits as he led the line for the Tangerines.



Standings so far:

Hammill: 2
Edwards: 1
Kabba: 1
Burgess: 1


Be sure to register your vote on the forum following this weekend's fixture against Barnsley for the Vital Man Of The Match!

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