Post by Tangerine Sherlock on Oct 25, 2012 12:54:00 GMT 1
ELLIOT Grandin wants to stay at Bloomfield Road and insists he “loves it” in Blackpool.
The Frenchman returned to the Seasiders squad in fine fashion on Tuesday, when he came off the bench to score one and create another in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
It followed almost three weeks out in the cold after being forced to train with the club’s Development Squad
Manager Ian Holloway publicly slammed the midfielder’s attitude and questioned his workrate in training.
But after a meeting with the player last week, Holloway reinstated Grandin to the squad this week and he repaid his boss with a superb display.
And the 25-year-old told The Gazette he’s happy on the Fylde coast.
Grandin said: “I spoke with the manager and we talked everything through. Everything is OK now. I’m working hard in training to get back with the group.
“The manager showed his confidence in me on Tuesday, putting me on when we were 1-0 down.
“It’s been a long time that I didn’t play, so I was really happy. It was great to get back with the group and score.
“I’m pleased to be back playing in front of the Blackpool fans. They are always amazing with me.
“It’s been difficult to stay at home and watch the games on TV, but I have to work hard to make sure I stay in the group.
Grandin joined the Seasiders from CSKA Sofia for almost £600,000 on the eve of the club’s Premier League season.
He made 24 appearances in that campaign before personal issues led to him being loaned to French side Nice for the second half of last season.
But he claims all that is now behind him. “I’m happy at Blackpool, I love it here,” he said. “Last season was very difficult for me. Everyone knows I had problems to sort out with my family.
“Since I got back to Blackpool, I’ve never once said I want to leave. I’m happy. I’ve found a house and have moved in with my girlfriend, so it’s perfect for me.”
Before Tuesday, Grandin had missed the previous four games after a difference of opinion with Holloway.
The 25-year-old denied Nathan Delfouneso the chance to score a hat-trick against Middlesbrough last month by insisting on taking a late penalty which sealed the 4-1 win.
While Holloway insists that wasn’t the reason for the fall-out, it clearly played a part. But Grandin is just delighted to be involved again. He said: “I miss the competition of matches. I felt really good on Tuesday night.
“It’s much better to be at Bloomfield Road than at home doing nothing. I’ve really missed Bloomfield Road and I hope I can get back to playing.
“On Tuesday I played and I scored, so hopefully I’ll get more chances to play.”
The Frenchman returned to the Seasiders squad in fine fashion on Tuesday, when he came off the bench to score one and create another in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
It followed almost three weeks out in the cold after being forced to train with the club’s Development Squad
Manager Ian Holloway publicly slammed the midfielder’s attitude and questioned his workrate in training.
But after a meeting with the player last week, Holloway reinstated Grandin to the squad this week and he repaid his boss with a superb display.
And the 25-year-old told The Gazette he’s happy on the Fylde coast.
Grandin said: “I spoke with the manager and we talked everything through. Everything is OK now. I’m working hard in training to get back with the group.
“The manager showed his confidence in me on Tuesday, putting me on when we were 1-0 down.
“It’s been a long time that I didn’t play, so I was really happy. It was great to get back with the group and score.
“I’m pleased to be back playing in front of the Blackpool fans. They are always amazing with me.
“It’s been difficult to stay at home and watch the games on TV, but I have to work hard to make sure I stay in the group.
Grandin joined the Seasiders from CSKA Sofia for almost £600,000 on the eve of the club’s Premier League season.
He made 24 appearances in that campaign before personal issues led to him being loaned to French side Nice for the second half of last season.
But he claims all that is now behind him. “I’m happy at Blackpool, I love it here,” he said. “Last season was very difficult for me. Everyone knows I had problems to sort out with my family.
“Since I got back to Blackpool, I’ve never once said I want to leave. I’m happy. I’ve found a house and have moved in with my girlfriend, so it’s perfect for me.”
Before Tuesday, Grandin had missed the previous four games after a difference of opinion with Holloway.
The 25-year-old denied Nathan Delfouneso the chance to score a hat-trick against Middlesbrough last month by insisting on taking a late penalty which sealed the 4-1 win.
While Holloway insists that wasn’t the reason for the fall-out, it clearly played a part. But Grandin is just delighted to be involved again. He said: “I miss the competition of matches. I felt really good on Tuesday night.
“It’s much better to be at Bloomfield Road than at home doing nothing. I’ve really missed Bloomfield Road and I hope I can get back to playing.
“On Tuesday I played and I scored, so hopefully I’ll get more chances to play.”