Holloway promises to stay at Blackpool

Ian Holloway has promised to stay on as manager of Blackpool next season even if the north-west side are relegated from the English Premier League, according to chairman Karl Oyston.

Blackpool won promotion under Holloway via the playoffs last term and enjoyed early success in the Premier League.

But, with three games left, they are above the relegation zone on goal difference alone and in danger of a quick return to the second-tier Championship.

Several reports have suggested Holloway could be in line to take over as manager of fellow strugglers West Ham but he insisted on Thursday that he had no intention of repeating what he said was a mistake in leaving Plymouth in 2007 for an unsuccessful spell at Leicester.

"I had a contract at Plymouth, I walked out on it and I will never do that again," Holloway said.

"I've got a contract here for this year and next year and I'm delighted and very proud to be a very small part of a magnificent football club."

Holloway added his future at Blackpool would be a matter for Oyston.

"I've got a great relationship with my chairman, who will choose when I'm not here anymore," Holloway said.

"I wouldn't have signed my contract for the length that I did if I wasn't totally intent on seeing it through."

"Football isn't how it used to be, but this football club is and that is what I love about it."

"Every day I've been at this football club I've tried to treasure it and polish the badge, and I haven't finished polishing yet."

"I was polishing Plymouth and I decided to leave that. I never explained why and I hate to say it, but I was wrong."

Oyston, speaking earlier to the Blackpool Gazette, said: "Whatever happens, we've had a fantastic season. I certainly hope Ian will be manager next season.

"And unless he's told you different, he will definitely be the manager here next season."