The Seasiders could not have hoped for a better start to their season. Simon Grayson’s more exciting attacking football has not only been a huge hit with the fans, but it has also propelled Pool to the summit of League One. Yes, we may be only two games in, but the contagious optimism is impossible to avoid.
Blackpool turn their attentions to cup action on Tuesday with the visit of League Two Macclesfield in the EFL Cup. Macclesfield have fallen to one defeat and claimed one victory in their opening two and cannot be underestimated.
Nevertheless, it will be a perfect opportunity to see some of the other new additions in action, most notably Ryan Hardie, who was brought in from Rangers for (what is understood to be) a substantial fee and is yet to even feature.
The Cup presents a great way to continue the momentum and sustain the feel-good factor.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Matty Virtue remains doubtful.
James Husband begins his suspension following his dismissal at Southend.
The History:
Formed in 1886.
Play at the 5,911 capacity Moss Road.
Are two-time winners of the FA Trophy (1969–70 and 1995–96).
Former Blackpool manager Paul Ince kept Macclesfield in League Two in the 2006/07 season, hauling them off the bottom of the football league.
The Silkmen finished 22nd in League Two last season.
The Manager:
Sol Campbell caused quite the stir when he took over as Macclesfield boss. The appointment created massive publicity for the club with the outspoken Campbell stating on arrival,
"You've got an international footballer who has been one of the best footballers in the world coming to your club, I think there's a nice mutual balance there."
Here are a few facts about the manager:
Macclesfield is the 44 year old's first managerial position.
Campbell played for both Tottenham (255 games) and Arsenal (146 games) as well as Portsmouth (95 games).
The former centre back also played for Notts County and Newcastle.
Campbell played 73 times for England and stated in 2014 he would have been "England captain for more than 10 years" had he been white.
Campbell won 3 FA Cups, 2 Premier Leagues and 1 League Cup over the course of his career.
Star men:
Owen Evans:
22 year old Evans, who is on loan from Wigan, is the man between the sticks for Macclesfield. Having joined Wigan from the Hereford youth side he spent time on loan at Witton Albion, Rhyl, NF United and Sutton United. Macclesfield will provide the Welshman with great experience this year in the football League as he has impressed so far.
Theo Vassell:
Right back Vassell is a new arrival at Macclesfield following his release from Port Vale and He will be hoping to see more game time than his 22 matches for the club last season. The 22 year old has also played for Walsall, Chester, Oldham and Gateshead.
Jacob Blyth:
The former Blackpool man is another new addition at Macclesfield in a revitalised squad under Campbell. Blyth, who played 8 times for Blackpool on loan from Leicester, was released by his then parent club in 2016. Since then he has had spells at Motherwell and Barrow before joining Macclesfield. On his day Blyth can prove a real threat with a physical presence.
Last Meeting:
Other Fixtures:
Grayson Preview:
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