GRANDIN ASKS FOR SECOND CHANCE
ELLIOT Grandin was so desperate to link back up with Blackpool that the midfielder took the matter into his own hands by ringing up caretaker boss Barry Ferguson.
And now back in a tangerine shirt after signing an incentive-based deal, the Frenchman believes he can recapture his best form at Bloomfield Road.
Crystal Palace’s decision to terminate his contract last week marked another step in a whirlwind four years for the 26-year-old since arriving in England.
Initially impressing in the Premier League with Blackpool, he fell out of sorts after their relegation and was close to engineering a permanent deal back to France with Nice.
Former manager Paul Ince criticised the mercurial Grandin for not “training the right way” last year but it did not stop him finding his way back into the Premier League at Selhurst Park last summer.
But any hopes that he would be back to his best quickly fizzled out as he failed to make a single league appearance and played just one Capital One Cup match at Bristol last August for his new side.
But Grandin insists that he can put his disappointments behind him.
“I am settled now,” he said. “I have a wife and a baby so I feel good in my life at the moment.
“To come back to Blackpool is great for me. I just want to train, play and enjoy my football. I’m very pleased to be back.
“I spoke to the manager and he came back to me. It was very quick. I know him very well and I think he knows me well too.
“I have a good relationship with him and will give my best on the pitch for him.
“I released my contract with Crystal Palace last week and when I knew Fergie was taking charge here I thought I’d love to come back.
“I’ve worked very hard this week as I wanted to come back. The team need me and I need the team so I’m very happy.”