Blackpool’s first-ever EPL fixture, against North-West rivals Wigan Athletic on August 14^th, has been moved to the Latics’ DW Stadium as their Bloomfield Road ground will not be ready in time.

The Tangerines had requested an away fixture for their EPL debut, in case work to upgrade the East Stand at Bloomfield Road wasn’t completed in time. The work is part of an overall project to increase Bloomfield Road’s capacity to 17,600, as a step towards meeting EPL ground criteria.

But the EPL fixture computer coughed up a home tie. An EPL statement read:

“The board felt it was important to take this decision as early as possible if there was any potential for Blackpool FC’s stadium not being ready for the first match of the season. The decision will give both clubs and fans maximum time to plan accordingly.

 

“This is the only Blackpool fixture that will be affected.”

They will now host Fulham in their first home EPL fixture on August 28^th. And the Wigan fixture has been rescheduled for the closing stages of the season, Saturday April 16^th 2011.

Blackpool’s preparations have been further disrupted by a serious knee injury to striker Billy Clarke which could leave the 23-year-old former Republic of Ireland international sidelined for three months.

He picked up the injury moments into Blackpool’s first pre-season outing, a 2-0 win in Devon against Tiverton Town.

Clarke has had an injury-ravaged Blackpool career and was limited to only 12 starts and two goals last season. Manager Ian Holloway said:

“I feel for the boy. He was looking as sharp as a tack and he was ready to go and try and get a place back in the side. It is the last thing we needed.”

The last comment was a reference to how the Tangerines have been left short of attacking options by close-season activities.

Play-offs goalscoring hero D.J. Campbell was only on loan at Blackpool and has returned to his parent club Leicester City.

Meanwhile Stephen Dobbie, who also scored in the play-off victory over Nottingham Forest, has likewise returned to Swansea City.

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Francis Jeffers is reportedly on trial with the Tangerines and played 45 minutes of a 2-1 win over Accrington Stanley.

Jeffers said: “When Ian (Holloway) called to invite me for a trial, I jumped at the chance. I still believe I can score goals in the Premier League. And Blackpool are a great club; I’d love to help them stay up.”

Despite these comments, it isn’t clear whether Jeffers is formally on trial.

Blackpool have declared an interest in signing Slovenian World Cup captain Robert Koren, who is available on a free transfer after being released by fellow EPL newcomers West Bromwich Albion at the end of last season.

The 29-year-old has also attracted interest from several clubs at home and abroad, including Scottish champions Rangers, who could offer him Champions League football.

But Koren would reportedly prefer to continue his career in the, more lucrative, EPL.