Bradford City v Blackpool: McMahon aims to wipe away smiles of his former club

IT is a sign of the almost constant flux that Blackpool have found themselves in of late that Tony McMahon knows just a couple of the current squad despite only leaving the seaside club during the summer.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Nov 2015, 06:11 BST
Doncaster Rovers v Bradford City's Tonyn McMahon.Doncaster Rovers v Bradford City's Tonyn McMahon.
Doncaster Rovers v Bradford City's Tonyn McMahon.

The 29-year-old spent 18 months at Bloomfield Road before moving to Bradford City on a free transfer ahead of this season.

His second stint at Blackpool – the first came as a loanee in 2007 – was tough, Blackpool being in such a mess last term that it was more a case of ‘when’ the Lancashire club would be relegated from the Championship and not ‘if’.

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“Blackpool was hard,” said McMahon, who spent the final six weeks of 2014-15 on loan at Valley Parade.

“Really hard, at times. We lost a lot of football games and when you lose games that is not nice.

“All of a sudden, it can be a little bit quiet and down around the training ground. That is what it was like at Blackpool for long periods.

“I had three managers in just over 12 months. It was mad, crazy. But I am here now and happy about that.”

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Last season at Blackpool was dogged by not only poor results but supporter dissatisfaction with the club’s regime. It made things hard for the players and, although results have improved in recent weeks, McMahon admits life will still be tough for the current squad.

The defender added: “I knew it would be difficult for Blackpool. It is a tough league and everyone knows that. Everyone has read about their problems.

“But, in the last couple of weeks, their players are probably coming in with smiles on their faces. A bit of a high. Hopefully, though, we can put an end to that.

“There are a couple of lads still there from my time but not many. The captain, David Ferguson, Connor Oliver and Tom Aldred are still there.

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“Usually, when you play old teams, you know 10, 11 or 12 lads but not now. Obviously, the new manager has signed players on longer deals now and that is good. Two years rather than one. That brings a bit of stability.”

Pool lost a seven-goal thriller at Bury but remain outside the relegation zone.

“Blackpool have done better of late,” said McMahon. “I look for their results and they have had a couple of decent ones. But all games are tough in this league.

“The manager has got them clicking and those positive results will help them. But we are looking to win and build on our own form.”

Last six games: Bradford City LWLWWD, Blackpool WWDDWL.

Referee: A Haines (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Bradford City 1 Blackpool 3; March 24, 2007; League One.

Related topics:BlackpoolLancashire