Varney To The Prem Was Dario's Idea

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has given credit to Dario Gradi for putting him onto the idea of taking former Alex striker Luke Varney into the Premier League.

According to Vital Blackpool, the surprise move for Varney in August only came about once Dario had recommended the 25 year old to Holloway, having thought he'd be ideal for the Seasiders style of play.

An outcast at Derby County, many so-called experts laughed at the thought of Blackpool's survival campaign falling on the shoulders of the likes of Varney. Two months on from penning a loan deal at Bloomfield Road, Varney's three goals - including winners against Liverpool and West Brom - in eight impressive appearances has seen him take the plaudits. Varney is now reported to be close to completing a £250,000 bargain basement permanent transfer to the Seasiders.

It's all part of an unlikely friendship between Dario and Ian Holloway. Holloway has heaped praise on 'the Dario way' in recent months, admitting he'd like to emulate Dario's legacy at Blackpool. It's seen Holloway pay a visit to the academy at Reaseheath as well as the respective first teams going head to head in a pre-season friendly this past summer.

I think it's only fair that Ian Holloway now sends a decent defender our way.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.