On Sunday Blackpool will play in the Mersey Masters tournament at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. The Masters is an indoor 5-a-side tournament for over 35's with regional events leading to the grand final. This is the first time Blackpool have been invited to enter the tournament. There are six sides in two groups with the overall winner qualifying for the grand final. Blackpool will play PKE and Tranmere Rovers (who if I recall correctly are the current champions). The Blackpool squad: Lee Jones (GK) Mike Flynn Colin Greenall Junior Bent Andy Morrell (*) Phil Clarkson Steve Thompson Tony Ellis (capt) In the PKE squad is David Eyres, who a lot of Pool fans love to hate simple because after leaving Blackpool, went on to play for PKE and Burnley. Tony Ellis is absolutely hated by PKE fans (so quite funny that not only is he playing for us but is also our captain). He was a legend at PKE, but after a fall out with their manager, ended up doing the unthinkable and moving 17 miles down the M55 to join the Seasiders where he also became a legend, not least because of him turning his back on the Nobbers. When the sides met with Ellis in tangerine there were chants of Judas and numerous banners with the likes of Ellis = Judas. It will be interesting to see then the reaction he gets on Sunday. (*) Not sure if Andy Morrell is playing or not. There was talk that he had to withdraw to be replaced by Tony Dinning. The other group comprises Liverpool, Everton and Wigan Athletic. The event starts at 5pm and will air on Sky Sports 2. http://www.mastersfootball.com/masterscup2010_mersey.htm
Not sure if this will work or not but it might be streamed! http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=80264&part=sports
Blackpool did ok in their Masters debut. In the first match they beat PKE 3-2, before losing by the same score to eventual champions Tranmere Rovers. PKE were hammered 5-1 by Tranmere. It was a strange tournament really. Liverpool and Everton were not very good and there was more support in the arena for Blackpool, PKE and Tranmere than either of them. And the support for Wigan was virtually non-existent.