• Premier League

Premier League to investigate Holloway's rotation

ESPNsoccernet staff
November 11, 2010
It was a much-changed Blackpool team that went to Villa © PA Photos
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The Premier League has confirmed it is investigating Blackpool manager Ian Holloway's decision to make ten changes for Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa.

Holloway fielded an almost completely remodelled starting line-up - which lost out to James Collins' late header - ahead of the newly-promoted side's clash with bottom club West Ham at the weekend.

ESPNsoccernet understands that the Premier League will write to Blackpool later this week before deciding what action to take.

The Premier League set a precedent last year when Wolves were given a suspended £25,000 fine after manager Mick McCarthy made ten changes to his side to face Manchester United.

But, while McCarthy admitted he made the alterations in order to give his team the best chance of beating Burnley in the next game, Holloway insisted his side was not weakened and that he had no choice because of the club's busy schedule.

Asked what he would do if the Premier League impose the same punishment on his club, an angry Holloway said: "I'd pack in. I can't work for this madness. I would resign. They do not know what they're talking about.''

West Ham boss Avram Grant maintains he has no issue with Holloway's numerous changes against Villa, claiming there should be no problem with squad rotation.

"They did what they had to do for that [match],'' Grant said. "Also they have a bigger squad than us, and without injuries, so they could do it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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