LET’S GRAB THAT GUNNERS DATE!
McPhillips urges his Seasiders to take their chance
BLACKPOOL boss Terry McPhillips is urging his players to seize the chance of a ‘mouth-watering’ FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal.
The Seasiders have already played Unai Emery’s men once this season, going down 2-1 in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates at the end of October, but would love to have another crack at them on home turf.
That tantalising prospect was thrown up in the third round draw – the winners of Tuesday night’s replay between Blackpool and Solihull Moors will entertain the Gunners on Saturday, January 5 (5.30pm) in front of the BT Cameras.
League One outfit Blackpool will be hot favourites in their replay against Tim Flowers’ Moors, but are expecting a fired up National League side to give them a real run for their money.
The first meeting between the sides ended goalless at Damson Park, with Solihull having an Alex Gudger ‘goal’ disallowed for offside from a short-corner routine.
McPhillips “It’s a mouth-watering tie for whoever can get through and, fair play to Solihull, they gave us a hell of a game and caused us problems in the first match.
“There were chances at both ends and the linesman picked up on the offside from their corner, which raised some debate about the rules. Sometimes things go for you, and that one went for us.
“They are a good side, they don’t concede a lot and they are big, organised and athletic. We have a big team, but they were even bigger. I said to the BBC’s Dan Walker beforehand ‘you might have a chance of playing for them’ and then I said to Dion Dublin ‘you wouldn’t get in – you’re not big enough!’.
“We are expecting a really tough game, especially with the draw for the next round. We will show Solihull the utmost respect.”
Focus
McPhillips didn’t want to discuss the Solihull replay, and possible Arsenal tie, with his players until yesterday’s League One game at Oxford United was out of the way.
But now it’s their sole focus.
And he wants his players to keep their cool at the prospect of a glamour New Year tie.
“It’s the FA Cup and anything can happen,” said the 50-year-old, who took the reins when Gary Bowyer quit after the opening game of the season and has guided the Seasiders to the brink of the playoff places.
“For the players, it’s about being professional and giving a professional performance. Don’t get sucked into losing your rag – just be professional and try to score more goals than them.
“What a tie Arsenal at Bloomfield Road would be, but it’s a great incentive for whoever wins on Tuesday night. It would be a telly game and a chance for the players to showcase themselves.
“We are a match for most on our day in the league and we have a good, honest group who stick together.”
There is also a major financial aspect to Tuesday night’s showdown – with the winners set to bank more than a quarter of a million pounds.
Both teams will pocket £36,000 as a live broadcast fee because the game is live on BT, while there is £54,000 in prize money for whoever wins through. There is a further £150,000 broadcast fee from the third round tie plus a share of gate receipts.
McPhillips added: “For the players, it’s irrelevant – it’s just about winning and playing Arsenal. From the football club side, we need the money. Money is important and playing Arsenal would be a hell of a tie.”