Holloway repeats quit threat

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway says he will stand by his decision to resign if the Premier League fine him for fielding a ‘weakened’ side against Aston Villa.

The Premier League are investigating Holloway’s decision to make 10 changes for Blackpool’s trip to Villa Park on Wednesday – which Blackpool lost 3-2 – and after the match, the Tangerines manager angrily rejected claims he fielded a weakened side.

And having seen Blackpool beat Wolves 2-1 on Saturday to claim their second home win of the season, Holloway said he will resign if he faces any Premier League punishment.

He said: “I have got my principles and I would tender my resignation. I feel that strongly about it but I believe totally I managed within the rules.”

“Everyone knows I don’t want to go anywhere and it would be a crying shame if I had to do that.”

“Who are they to judge how good my team is? They accepted my 25-man squad at the start of the season. I know a good player when I see one. They let me submit those names at the start of the season.”

“I would do all sort of things to prove that I can do what I like and pick the team I like. I picked a very strong team against Aston Villa.”

Holloway’s side won thanks to a stunning volley from Luke Varney and Marlon Harewood’s strike before Kevin Doyle pulled one back for Wolves.

Holloway added: “Mick McCarthy’s team did really well and were the better team in the first half. Unfortunately for them we scored an out-of-this-world goal from Varney – it flew in.”

“We were fortunate to go in 2-0 up, but in the second half it was more like us. What a fantastic second half for everyone.”

“I had a lot more hair than this when I started but I would not have it any other way.”