Boss Admits Promotion Could Be Detrimental

Last updated : 10 October 2004 By Kevin Markey

Blackwell says in today's Sunday Mirror: "I want to build from the back and if we win our game in hand we're not far off the play-off positions. But in the long term it could be detrimental if we go up this season. Many fans have said they don't want to go up this year, that we need a year or two to get the club back to a level footing.

"However there is still pride and we all want to go up. If it happened this season we'd all take it.

"The whole club has been rebuilt in nine weeks. When I took over it was surreal. We only had three players, including an 18-year-old who'd played a couple of games.

"I've brought in 17 players and they are all living out of suitcases. I've still got to 'duck and dive'. In three years we've gone from being the biggest spenders to spending nothing. So I have to spot a deal where I can.

"But it's totally frustrating because of the financial problems. Black holes keep appearing.

"Many people thought we'd do a Sheffield Wednesday and drop through the divisions. So my first job is to make sure we don't do that. After that anything else will be a bonus this season.

"At the beginning of next season we'll have the basis of a settled squad. And if we can add two or three quality players and get the rub of the green, who knows?"