Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste has hailed the impact of manager Ian Holloway.

The Seasiders centre-back says that Holloway announced his intention to take the club into the top flight on his very first day of training.

But Baptiste told the Blackpool Gazette: "No one took him seriously, though.

"But look at us now! It's ridiculous in a way but it's brilliant."

Baptiste believes the impact Holloway has had since being appointed boss cannot be over-estimated, and he believes the Pool manager's style is good for football ... even if it can make life difficult for defenders like himself.

The 24-year-old said: "Everyone can see the impact he's made. Without him none of what has happened would have been possible. Compare the way we were playing before to now - we have completely changed.

"Our formation is nothing like it was before he arrived and perhaps more importantly neither is our mindset.

"If they score three, we'll score four. That's our attitude because we have so many good forwards, we're confident in the way we play and we back ourselves to score more than the opposition."