2 PLAY-OFF Blackpool v Exeter RELIVE THE TANGERINE DREAM!
LEAGUE Adam: Promotion changed my life
CHARLIE ADAM is hoping the Wembley magic will return for Blackpool after urging Gary Bowyer’s class of 2017 to grab their chance of glory.
The Stoke midfielder was given a platform to showcase his talents on that same big stage seven years ago – the last time the Tangerines won at the national stadium, beating Cardiff 3- 2 in the Championship play-off final.
And he says success will help heal the wounds at the famous old club that has been fighting a bitter civil war as they fell from being sky-high to rock-bottom.
Adam said: “The lads in 2010 took it to the pinnacle. It was just a magical time for us all.
“Going down the promenade ( right), in front of 200,000 people, after winning promotion to the Premier League, brought home the achievement to us.
“We had been washing our own kit when I turned up – but going to play for the Tangerines after being at a crossroads with Rangers was the best thing that happened to me. Ian Holloway told me what I wanted to hear after I’d been at the club on loan. To be honest, I didn’t think the club could afford the £500,000 fee.
“He said, ‘I’m going to build my team around you’.
“Somehow, they got the money together. He was a canny operator, Ollie, and it was great for him when we actually did it.
Tempo
“We had such a great blend. For example, in midfield there was Keith Southern, who set the tempo for us, and David Vaughan, a quiet assassin – and we complemented each other well.
“It was like that all over the pitch. But, as we got closer, we could feel something was happening. We won 4- 2 at Scunthorpe on Good Friday and from then on, after every match we would say to ourselves, ‘It’s getting closer’.
“Even during the final, when we were winning 3-2 at half-time, it was the thought of the dream that kept us going.
“We lost only twice in our last 14 games and that’s the kind of form Gary’s side has shown.
“It’s a chance now for Blackpool’s players to make themselves heroes. It changed my life. That’s what it can do for you.”
But Adam, 31, who still lives close to the area, said it was a pity the Seasiders are travelling south without the full backing of the supporters – due to an ongoing stand-off between them and owner Karl Oyston.
Adam added: “It’s a shame the fans are choosing to boycott it. But I’m not going to say one bad word about them. They were fantastic to me and they took every step with us.
“I’ll never forget the sea of tangerine when we beat Cardiff – it rejuvenated the town.
“And I’m sure success at Wembley this time will bring some of the joy back into the club.”