THE SEASIDERS showed true character on Tuesday night coming back from a two goal deficit with only twenty five minutes remaining to snatch a memorable draw in a rousing finish.

But once again, all three points could have been in the bag against a strong Stoke side if we had avoided yet again some defensive sloppiness.

Nevertheless, in the space of four days we have matched two of the top placed sides in our division in terms of skill, organisation and commitment which gives clear indication of the huge strides that Blackpool have made since the turn of the year.

And with our injury problems thankfully beginning to recede at last, giving Steve McMahon broader options, the immediate future is looking distinctly rosier.

And on the subject of squad options, we would like to welcome the latest loan signing Ian Marshall to Blackpool and wish him the very best whilst he is with the Seasiders. The experienced Bolton striker could well prove to be another valuable acquisition.

Extra cause for optimism at Bloomfield Road comes in the form of the rapidly developing state-of-the-art Stadium facilities which looks more attractive each week.

With a Christmas-time opening still on the cards and capacity crowds likely, the revitalisation of the club will undoubtedly gather more momentum.

Real Progress is pleased that statements about finance and team building have been made recently by the club and we feel that it is now up to people to return to the fold in large numbers which will ultimately result in 'Macca' being given greater financial scope within which to operate.

Real Progress has taken exception to the charge by some fans that we are solely a negative organisation.

We report and comment continuously and favourably on the team's progress under Steve McMahon, the exciting Stadium development and the general buoyancy of the club.

In fact, before the current season began we issued achievement awards to Steve McMahon and Karl Oyston in the form of silver salvers and framed certificates in recognition of the progress made both on and off the field.

We do feel, though, that we have a right and a responsibility to our growing membership - and to all Blackpool fans - to raise matters and constructively debate situations which may be viewed as detrimental the future prosperity of the club.

Having said this, however, for the rest of the season we wish to appeal to our members to take on board the club's attempts to move us forward and focus more on positive elements.

We know that there may occasionally be times when grievances need to be aired and we will do our utmost to follow up such issues but any ideas about how we may further improve the 'feelgood factor' at Bloomfield Road will be appreciated.

Get behind the team everyone on Saturday against Macca's old team Swindon.

One of these days we really will get into the top half of the table where we unquestionably deserve to be!