Bristol City caretaker boss Keith Millen praised the resolve of his players after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Blackpool. The Robins took a 16th minute lead at Bloomfield Road via top scorer Nicky Maynard's scorching long-range effort. But Brett Ormerod replied for the hosts to deny Millen a victory in his final game in charge before he hands over to new boss Steve Coppell on 11th May. Afterwards Millen, who has inspired an upturn in fortunes since replacing Gary Johnson in March, praised the efforts of his players against a Blackpool side who were going all out to qualify for the play-offs. He said: "I'm proud of the commitment the lads showed in a difficult game."
Sky Sports
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway praised his players after the Seasiders secured the last Championship play-off spot on Sunday. Holloway's side set up a play-off date with Nottingham Forest despite only a 1-1 draw with Bristol City at Bloomfield Road, with Brett Ormerod equalising Nicky Maynard's opener. Play-off rivals Swansea were unable to muster the win they needed against Doncaster to give Holloway's side the chance to secure promotion to the top flight for the first time in 40 years. Asked straight afterwards if he could put his feelings into words, Holloway said: "No not really, it is very, very difficult."
Sky Sports
Ian Holloway took the microphone to tell Blackpool's delirious fans: 'Someone must win the play-offs, why can't it be us?' Holloway gave an impromptu speech as the Seasiders celebrated reaching the play-offs and a fair chunk of their biggest crowd in years came on to join in the fun. And there is no real reason why the Tangerine dream of promotion cannot continue as they take on Nottingham Forest, a side they have already beaten twice. Their football would also grace a Wembley final. This was a rollercoaster final day but Holloway's heroes earned their triumph amid chaotic scenes. A nervous draw was good enough to clinch sixth spot.
Mirror
Blackpool sealed their spot in the Championship play-offs with dramatic final day draw. Brett Ormerod's header cancelled out Nicky Maynard's first-half volley to grab a point. But Swansea were held to a goalless draw at home to Doncaster, meaning the Tangerines face a juicy tie with Nottingham Forest.
The Sun
At this rate the Golden Mile will have to be renamed the Holloway Road. Two years after he took Leicester City out of the Championship at the wrong end Ian Holloway now has the opportunity to mark Blackpool's 100th successive League campaign by leading them to promotion to the Premier League. Watched by Bloomfield Road's biggest gathering since the 1970s - the decade whose first season was the club's last in the top flight - an understandably anxious Blackpool achieved their aim against Bristol City of at least matching Swansea's result against Doncaster. They face Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-finals, with the first leg at home on Saturday, and Holloway encapsulated the Tangerine dream when he took to the microphone to tell the thousands of pitch invaders: "Someone's got to win the play-offs. Why can't it be us?"
Guardian
Blackpool celebrated the 57th anniversary of the club's most glorious achievement, the 1953 Stanley Matthew FA Cup final victory over Bolton Wanderers, by claiming the final Championship play-off position. They now face Nottingham Forest next Saturday at Bloomfield Road.
Telegraph
It was not supposed to be like this. The script was meant to read: "Blackpool win, Ian Holloway quip, play-off glory, end of story." However, Nicky Maynard proved that Bristol City were not willing to be the fall guys in this drama. His superb first-half finish ensured a nervy encounter, even after Brett Ormerod's equaliser and Swansea City's ineptitude against Doncaster Rovers conspired to secure Blackpool the final play-off position. "I will let them celebrate tonight but we will not be resting on our laurels," Holloway, the Blackpool manager, said.
Times
