STEVE Thompson is aiming to follow in the footsteps of his former club, Burnley, and reach the Premier League with a Wembley win this afternoon.

Like the Clarets, the Tangerines have defied finances to work their way into the play-offs on one of the smallest Championship budgets.

And Thompson admits the club couldn’t help but draw inspiration from what their Lancashire rivals achieved 12 months ago.

“Burnley were absolutely fantastic last year, it’s just a shame that they’ve gone down this year.

“But they proved what you can do, not so much on a small budget but on a budget that’s probably not geared up for the Premier League,” said the former midfielder, now assistant to manager Ian Holloway at Bloomfield Road.

“Going down this year is very frustrating for them but we’ve looked at Burnley and seen similarities with ourselves.

“We’ve got quality players like they did last year.

“I think the expectation was more on Burnley than what’s on us, and I think we’ve surprised a lot of people this year with the quality and staying up there.”

Blackpool stayed in the top half for almost all of the campaign, but only secured the final play-off position on the last day of the season, thanks to a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City, who Burnley beat on the final day last year to guarantee their own push for promotion.

“It’s fantastic. Unexpected in certain departments but I think we’ve come on as a team and as a club this year since the gaffer’s been here,” said Thompson, who was part of the backroom team at Bloomfield Road when Blackpool won the League One play-off final in 2007.

“We’ve got some quality players playing in a system and shape that really suits them.”