From man love with Harry Redknapp to the condemnation of Michel Platini

From man love with Harry Redknapp to the condemnation of Michel Platini, Holloway has been somewhat of a journalists dream and entertained us all in his weekly press conferences.

But as sun sets on the Tangerines time in the Premier League, I find myself shying away from the sunnier side of things and examining all the things that need looking at ‘in the best league in the world.’

One of the most bizarre things to happen in recent years is both; Blackpool and Wolves finding themselves in trouble over fielding weakened sides.

Wolves were handed a suspended £25,000 fine for making 10 changes for a match against United last season and Blackpool were fined during this campaign for adopting the same approach at Aston Villa.

Both decisions were made with future, winnable games in mind, as both sides looked for league safety.

However, the FA decided that adopting such an approach was not a correct decision as all games should be played with the strongest available team, in order to achieve a fair and competitive league, in which all teams go out in each game, with the intention of gaining all three points.

There are two things that do not work with this particular rule.

The decision to fine both teams their respective amounts, eradicates the FA’s own rule, regarding the submission of a 25 man squad. At the start of the season and at the end of the January transfer window, all Premier League squads submit a 25-man squad, from which they are unable to deviate.

So, if the 25 men from both Wolves and Blackpool were submitted and accepted by the FA, surly both teams were within their rights to field any of the 25-man squad that they desire?

To fine a manager for fielding a much changed side from their squad of 25 is effectively deeming their squad not good enough for the Premiership.

If the issue comes with not fielding the strongest side available, should Manchester United not be fined for their weakened side to face Blackpool on the final day?

Granted, Manchester United’s third choice side would find a way past the starting XI of most Premier League teams, but they did field a weakened side in a game that had a sizeable influence over the relegation battle on Survival Sunday, so not to fine United would be more than a little Hypocritical.

I think it’s safe to say the squad to grace the hallowed turf at Wembley on the weekend will be much changed from that which broke the nations heart by sending, Blackpool back to the Championship.

However, as I continue to contemplate Match of the Day without the irreplaceable Ian Holloway, I suspect that the Premier League big boys will escape without a fine. 

Holloway for Chelsea….

Twitter: Martyn_ Edwards