Blackpool bolster attack with Varney loan

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has strengthened his attacking options by signing Luke Varney on a season-long loan deal from Derby.

Varney, 27, could make his debut against Fulham tomorrow in the club's first Barclays Premier League home match at new-look Bloomfield Road.

The striker has also worn the colours of Crewe, Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday.

Blackpool have the option of signing Varney on a permanent basis and Holloway said: "He is a great lad, he has got some pace and I think he'll play really well in a 4-3-3 formation."

Holloway believes he can revive Varney's career at the top level.

Holloway said: "I think he will just slot straight in to our system and hopefully I can get him going again.

"He is a fantastic lad off the field and even at Sheffield Wednesday last season he got 11 goals for them."

Holloway will stick to his principles tomorrow despite the 6-0 defeat by Arsenal last weekend.

He said: "It is about trying to find our feet at this level. But I am absolutely delighted to have a challenge like this.

"We want to keep producing something that is entertaining and people want to pay to see. If that means we don't win enough I don't really care.

"What I am trying to do is play a brand of football that is attractive and modern and maybe others aspire to."

Holloway is thrilled at the prospect of playing in the new-look 16,000 all-seater stadium now the redevelopment has been completed and he has told his players to seize the moment against Fulham, now managed by Mark Hughes.

Blackpool had to switch their opening-day fixture to Wigan - which ended in a 4-0 win - as the work was not done in time for the match.

Holloway said: "I am told we are heading for our biggest crowd since 1977 and being at home in the Premier League is what we have all dreamed of.

"My players have got to stop dreaming and actually do it. That is the hardest thing.

"I managed to do it at 29. Gerry Francis took me to QPR and you do worry about yourself. Are you good enough? Are you quick enough?

"I don't think any of my lads are, with the greatest respect to them. Collectively we have a great chance at the end of the season just as we did in the last campaign.

"We know how tough it is going to be but I hope we can leave a mark. I hope it is quality football.

"I expect Fulham to be a lot higher quality than we are but will try our best. I have always tried to be a glass-half-full person even in the bad times. That's what I want my players to be."

Defender Ian Evatt comes into contention after missing the Carling Cup defeat by League One side MK Dons as he was suspended.