Houllier was wary of weakened Tangerines

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has said he will resign if the Premier League punish the club for fielding a weakened team in the 3-2 defeat at Villa Park.

Holloway made 10 changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Everton at the weekend for the clash at Villa Park, with only Keith Southern retaining his place, and the visitors were within a minute of getting a point before James Collins' late winner.

Houllier, whose side ended a run of five league games without a win, said: "When I saw their team line-up I was extremely worried because it happened to me twice. Once I had to do it myself for a cup game and we won and it happened also when I was at Liverpool and Sunderland came with a depleted team and they won.

"The team you are going to play have nothing to lose, they throw everything at you. We were a bit anxious, a bit nervous because we needed the points.

"The first half I would say was dreadful but the second half we were better. We took more responsibility to attack, created more chances and played a more exciting game."

Source: PA

Source: PA