Blackpool book play-off final showdown with Yeovil

The Seasiders proved too good for Oldham in both legs of their play-off semi-final, with goals from Keith Southern, Andy Morrell and Keigan Parker sealing a 3-1 win at Bloomfield Road.

Oldham substitute Matt Wolfenden's late goal, which was too little too late for John Sheridan's side, ensured Blackpool triumphed 5-2 on aggregate and they will now go into the play-off final as favourites against Russell Slade's Yeovil.

Grayson said: "This club is steeped in history and tradition and you go back to the 1950s with Stanley Matthews and people like that and we've maybe lived in the past too long.

"Now we want to be part of a new era where the club goes forward and there's no reason why we can't do that."

Players such as Matthews, Stan Mortenson and Jimmy Armfield have helped make the Tangerines famous down the years, but the club have not played in the second tier of English football since the end of the 1977/8 season.

Grayson said: "We've proved this season by taking 4,000 to Oldham, 3,000 to Huddersfield and 1,000 to Yeovil that we've got some good support.

"It's a good catchment area all waiting for some success and we've given the fans something to cheer about this year, they've backed us and hopefully by next weekend we're back in the Championship where we belong."

But Grayson stressed his players will not be under-estimating Yeovil in the final following the Glovers' unexpected win at Nottingham Forest.

He said: "I thought over the two legs Yeovil were outstanding. They played really well last week and we knew that they would be a threat at Forest.

"People thought it was all over and done with but I didn't, Yeovil are a really good team, they've got some good energy, good pace and play some good football.

"It's no coincidence they've got to the final, they thoroughly deserve it and we know we're in for a really difficult game.

"We try and play football and full credit to Russell, that's what he tries to do, so it's all geared up for a good game and hopefully we'll come out on top."

Grayson admitted he would allow the players to celebrate before returning early next week to prepare for their Wembley showdown.

"We'll enjoy one or two drinks and then we're ready for Tuesday.

"It's a fantastic achievement by everybody connected at the club, the fans, the players, it's been a big ask for everybody.

"We'll all have a drink, back to work Tuesday and try and finish the job off on Sunday."

Oldham manager John Sheridan was full of praise for his players, but conceded the better team had won through over two legs.

The former Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, in his first season as manager, revealed he would be looking to improve his squad during the close season.

Sheridan said: "We battled really well today. I don't think the scoreline's a fair reflection, but then we gave our all and it wasn't good enough.

"One or two of our young players have come through this season, but I do believe, and no disrespect to the squad, that I've to bring some better quality players in if I can get them.

"I definitely know how I'm going to play next season, but at the end of the day we've let too many sloppy goals in over the last 12, 13 games even over the play-off games.

"That's been our big downfall. One or two players are out of contract and I'm going to be sitting down and having a chat with one or two of them."