Manager Merry-Go-Round Clouds Derby Trip

After days of speculation concerning the future of Ian Holloway, Blackpool fans may be forgiven for forgetting there is a mid-table clash at Pride Park on Saturday.

The latest in the news cycle that refuses to end is that Ian Holloway has been granted permission to discuss terms with Crystal Palace by Karl Oyston, with the Eagles hierarchy hopeful of completing a deal in time for Holloway to attend Palace's game against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.

With bookmakers joining most Pool fans in predicting Holloway's imminent departure, Barnsley boss Keith Hill has been installed as the early favourite to take over at Bloomfield Road. Hill has previously complimented Blackpool on their ability and style of football, and has said he hopes his Barnsley side could emulate what Blackpool achieved in 2009 when Holloway guided Pool to the Premier League.

Other candidates include former Burnley and Bolton boss Owen Coyle, Holloway's assistant at Bloomfield Road Steve Thompson, and ex-England international Paul Ince, father of Seasiders' startlet Tom. Until Holloway's exit has been confirmed, however, Blackpool are likely to hold out any kind of hope that the Bristolian will spurn the advances of the London club.

With the conjecture and speculation surrounding the club, it will surely be a relief to all involved when the players walk out at Derby on Saturday. With Blackpool's recent form, two away games in 4 days against teams lower in the table have to be seen as an opportunity to regain some of the ground lost to the early front runners. After the number of times they've done it in the past, you wouldn't put it was the Seasiders to pull a key win out of the turmoil once again.

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