Adam committed to the cause

Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam insists he has forgotten all about his contract dispute with the club and is focused squarely on football.

The Scot was awarded 20 thousand pounds by a Premier League arbitration panel after Blackpool insisted he was not due the payment as a reward for being part of their promotion-winning side last season.

But Adam said he has not thought about handing in a transfer request.

“I am a Blackpool player, and a happy Blackpool player,” said Adam. “I love the manager and the way he has turned round my career.”

And Bloomfield Road boss Ian Holloway has begun contract negotiations with three key players as he seeks to tie his side to long-term deals.

Goalkeeper Matthew Gilks, midfielder David Vaughan and full-back Stephen Crainey are all out of contract at the end of the season, but negotiations have begun to extend their time with Blackpool.

“The chairman has started talks with the players and negotiations have begun,” said Holloway.

“I had talks with the chairman about what I want and we came to agreement.”

Now Holloway wants his side to continue their impressive early season form as they take on Stoke on Saturday.

Blackpool are 13th, four points clear of the drop zone, but Holloway admits the second-half of the season may be tougher than the first.

“I firmly expect the second half of the season to be twice as difficult for us. The managers will have seen us play once and will try and combat our style,” he said.

“Now it’s up to me to keep one step ahead – that’s what I enjoy doing I leave the money matters to the board.”

Blackpool are also making plans to have under-soil heating installed at Bloomfield Road after last weekend’s game with Manchester United was called off due to the pitch being frozen.