Stripping the emotion away from a heartbreaking defeat by Manchester United at Bloomfield Road last night, when the Seasiders looked set to enjoy one of the greatest nights in their history, the brutal truth is Blackpool have now taken just three points from six games.

A terrible January leaves them hovering six points above the drop zone, a perfectly adequate state of affairs given bleak pre-season expectations, but worrying nonetheless as the pressure starts to mount.

Added to the mix is continued uncertainty over skipper Charlie Adam and the difficulty Holloway is having bringing new faces to the club, and clearly the task of guiding Blackpool to safety is not going to be easy.

"If you knew where we are and where everyone else is, we shouldn't be doing this," said Holloway.

"I am just a fresh-faced learner but I am starting to find out what other people are paying. I am absolutely gobsmacked.

"I want my lads to get the same one day - but it has to be the right day for this club."

Former Arsenal star Jeremie Aliadiere is a confirmed target but Holloway announced a hitch in that deal last night, which he would like to get sorted before enjoying a short break in Chorley of all places.

"I am trying to do some business but the difference between us and Manchester United for instance is quite frightening," he said.

"I have been reading Patrice Evra is out of contract next summer. He is getting old so Sir Alex might have to sell him.

"Then it says his two potential replacements are this bloke and that one. Easy. What a joy. No wonder he doesn't look stressed like me.

"That club is run immaculately. When do they buy in the window? When do they sell? That is what we have got to get to."

United's sheer size is something Blackpool can only dream of.

The same could have been said about a place in the Premier League for the Tangerines, but that has become a reality.

Clearly though, when he surveys a Football League pyramid littered with clubs who have suffered acute financial problems after losing their top-flight status, chairman Karl Oyston is not willing to follow them on the path to oblivion.

It is just one of the reasons why Liverpool must seem such an attractive option for Adam, no matter how committed he remains to the Blackpool cause.

"I can understand him wanting to move but we have a duty to run this club properly," said Holloway.

"Any player can get bought. You have to replace him. The transfer window closes on Monday, so would it be good business to let him go?"