Blackpool must get show on the road, says boss

The Seasiders have lost nine of their 15 away games in League One this season, winning only two.

Today Pool travel to third-bottom Oldham, having climbed out of the relegation zone on the back of a four-game unbeaten run.

Three of those four were at home and McDonald now wants his side to up their game on the road.

“We have a good chance to put some points on the board now,” said McDonald. “But it’s about dealing with Oldham first, then we’ll worry about the rest.

“We need to pick up more points away from home and this is the perfect chance to do that.

“Our home form has been great. We now need to start doing the same on the road.”

After a difficult start to the season, McDonald feels his side is settling down and finally finding consistency.

Today’s game is the first of three against teams below Pool in League One, with home games against Shrewsbury and Oldham (again) to follow.

The manager feels his team are in decent shape, adding: Everyone has stepped up. I think we all know our roles and responsibilities now.

“We are still a young team but I think we are pointing in the right direction now.

“Every game is very difficult in this league but we’ve shown we can compete and be consistent. We need to do that now over the next few games.

“We play Oldham twice in 10 days, so we have to be prepared. The players are looking forward to every game.”

Since Pool’s first scheduled meeting with Oldham was postponed on Boxing Day due to a waterlogged Blooomfield Road, Latics have sacked manager David Dunn and replaced him with fans’ favourite John Sheridan.

And McDonald says they will be a totally different proposition.

“They have a new manager and a new way of doing things,” he said.

“A new manager normally gives the players a lift, so we’ll have to be up for it.

“We know they can be a threat but if we can play our game how we know we can, then we should be OK.”

Blackpool will be boosted by the return of Jim McAlister and Hayden White, who both missed last Saturday’s win over Gillingham with illness.

McDonald confirmed: “Everyone’s fit. We have a full squad to chose from, which is great.”