No Gray Areas - Blackpool can't lose Adam
The superb form of Blackpool's Charlie Adam has come as a surprise to many who were unfamiliar with him prior to this season. In truth, this has been by far his best season though the signs that he had true potential have always been there.
He showed great promise when he started off his career at Rangers and actually played pretty well when given a chance. But just 60-odd games over the course of six seasons isn't enough game-time when you're young and desperate to play every week, which explains why he decided to move on in search of more first-team opportunities.
Blackpool are very much the sort of team that allow him to have the freedom to express himself - a colourful manager in Ian Holloway who encourages players to enjoy themselves on the pitch and a system that gives him plenty of the ball. He's been handed the responsibility to create most of the team's chances and just make things happen and he seems to relish that.
Adam will be the first to admit that he doesn't exactly have the elegance of a David Silva or Cesc Fabregas as he goes about his business but don't be fooled by his barrel-chested, solid physique. He's a very fit young man who covers a lot of ground whilst his range of passing is superb and he has one of the sweetest left foots in the division.
The problem Blackpool now have is that his performances have been so impressive that he's attracted the interest of plenty of other clubs. Birmingham, Aston Villa and even Liverpool have asked about him and Holloway will have a real job on his hands to keep him at the club.
The Tangerines have very sensibly installed a tight wage cap which is good in terms of keeping their finances in check but does mean their players will feel they can earn much bigger money elsewhere.
One thing is for sure: if Blackpool do decide they can't turn down a big offer for him they will be left with a huge gap to fill and I'm not sure there's another like-for-like replacement in their squad who can come in and do what Adam does so well.
Finally, a word on his Scotland prospects. Gone are the days when my team could boast such talents as Gary McAllister and Gordon Strachan in midfield. Of the players currently available to Craig Levein who play in the middle of the park, only Darren Fletcher really gets a game week in, week out in the Premier League and that sort of experience is vital.
It can only be a matter of time before Levein realises what Adam brings to the table and makes him an integral part of their mid-term future.
Andy Gray is now on Twitter so follow him for his exclusive tips and his take on the biggest stories in football each week.
Published: 19 Jan 2011
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