Sanction not fine with Holloway

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has again slammed the Premier League for fining him over fielding an allegedly ‘weakened’ team.

The English Premier League’s governing body issued Holloway with a 25,000 pound fine for fielding what they deemed to be a weakened side in the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa in November, after the Blackpool manager made 10 changes.

The former QPR manager vowed to resign after the game if any action was taken against him and his firm stance on the matter has not changed.

“It’s a total disgrace to Blackpool,” Holloway said. “I’m told who I can pick and when I can pick them. I’m absolutely devastated and my chairman’s asked me not to say anything.”

The ex-Plymouth manager claimed that he had followed through with his vow in the wake of any action but his Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston refused to let him walk out on the club he guided to promotion last season.

“I’ve offered my resignation because I cannot believe for one minute that I’m a manager,” he said.

“I don’t feel like a manager anymore, I feel I’ve got a second string and that someone in some office and panel has told me the players aren’t good enough.”

Holloway’s squad has been dramatically strengthened in the January transfer window and all but one of his new squad additions could feature in Wednesday’s clash with bottom-of-the-table side West Ham.

Striker James Beattie has arrived on loan until the end of the season from Scottish Premier League heavyweights Rangers, as has winger Jason Puncheon from Southampton.

Holloway also signed Belarus striker Sergei Kornilenko on loan from Zenit St Petersberg until the end of the season, but a delay in his work permit may rule him out of Wednesday’s game.

Attacking midfielder Andy Reid was the club’s fourth signing after joined from Sunderland.

Captain Charlie Adam was the subject of bids from Liverpool and Tottenham but remains a Blackpool player.

Defender Stephen Crainey is likely to miss out as he nurses ankle ligament damage he suffered against Sunderland on Saturday.