Holloway delighted for former loan stars
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Your support makes all the difference.Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is pleased to see the likes of Seamus Coleman and Barry Bannan making names for themselves in the Barclays Premier League after spells at Bloomfield Road - even though they now pose a threat for opposing sides.
Irish youngster Coleman, who helped the Seasiders win promotion to the top flight during a loan stint last season, came back to haunt his former employers with a goal against them for Everton in Saturday's 2-2 draw.
The Tangerines could come up against another loanee from last term tonight when they travel to Aston Villa, for whom 20-year-old Bannan impressed on his first league start at the weekend.
Holloway is disappointed he could not hang onto the pair but takes some satisfaction from the knowledge he has helped both players progress to where they are now.
"I'm delighted for them, but I wish they were still mine, or that I could borrow them again," Holloway said.
"It doesn't always go well when someone moves clubs, but with young lads who are developing and improving, I'm delighted to be a small part of it.
"Seamus didn't celebrate on Saturday even though it is his first Premier League goal.
"I said to him afterwards 'why didn't you miss?' - I thought it was a little bit harsh, he could have slotted it wide!
"But they are good lads. They worked out well for us and I wish them well."
Blackpool led twice against Everton only to let in a swift equaliser on both occasions, and although they have defied expectations by taking 14 points from their opening 11 league games, Holloway can see his team is still getting used to the feeling of mixing with the elite.
Asked what he thought they needed to do to ensure they did not concede too soon after scoring, Holloway said: "Take longer to celebrate, to be honest!
"I've looked at it and we were far too excited. We rushed back and things had kicked off again within 30 or 40 seconds, whereas I've looked at what Blackburn Rovers did and they took two minutes and settled themselves right down when they beat us (2-1 at Bloomfield Road).
"I think that is still inexperience at this level, where you're over-excited because you score.
"I said to them after 'I'm expecting you to score now - why shouldn't you score? Why are you excited about it so much? Let's make sure we don't concede'.
"I'm not sure anyone could have stopped Everton's first goal, though. It was a brilliant move.
"That is this level, and all I'm pleased with is the level of football we are producing.
"I'm very pleased for the lads and as the weeks and months go on, hopefully they will gain more confidence and stay calm in situations."
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