Little was expected of Blackpool in 2013-14 after last season's mid-table finish and little transfer activity over the summer.
The Tangerines were the Championship's surprise package early on but have since fallen out of the title race in what has been a turbulent campaign for Paul Ince and his highly-strung squad.
Here, Sports Mole remembers a topsy-turvy first half of the season for the Lancashire side.
August
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It was some start for Blackpool as they went unbeaten in August, winning four out of five league fixtures to top the table heading into September.
Ince Snr was also awarded Manager of the Month for his side's displays in the victories over Doncaster Rovers, Barnsley, Reading and Watford.
Even the one blip of the month felt harsh as Middlesbrough grabbed a last-minute equaliser at the Riverside.
It wasn't so good in the League Cup, though, as Blackpool were beaten by League One side Preston North End in the first round.
September
Blackpool's pace-setting continued at the start of September as Bournemouth became their latest victim. However, unsavoury scenes on the South Coast would see Ince later handed a five-game stadium ban and the Seasiders would only win three more times in the rest of 2013 as things began to unravel.
Millwall were the first side to beat them as top spot was surrendered to Queens Park Rangers before Ince Jnr netted a penalty in the 90th minute against fellow high-flyers Leicester to salvage a draw.
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October
After two goalless draws to begin October against Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, Ince's five-game punishment was confirmed.
Despite his absence on the touchline, Blackpool got their first win in six games at home to Wigan Athletic in the next game, with a penalty from Ince Jnr again proving vital.
In the final game of October, Blackpool were on course for another victory against Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers but were denied when Tangerines striker Steven Davies inadvertently headed into his own net in the dying moments.
November
Late goals were becoming a regular occurence in Blackpool's games as Steven Dobbie stole the points at Nottingham Forest before Davies looked like he had rescued a point against Ipswich Town in the next match. However, the Blues would strike the cruellest of blows by making it two goals after the 90-minute mark to win at Bloomfield Road.
A 1-1 draw at Birmingham City followed before Ince's return to the dugout brought a victory, with lowly Sheffield Wednesday brushed aside.
December
Despite a winning return, Ince wouldn't see his side claim a maximum again in 2013 as they endured an awful December, picking up just one point from a possible 18.
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Ince's squad is one of the smallest in the division and ill discipline was an unnecessary problem to be dealing with as Blackpool had five players sent off in two games!
At Yeovil Town, centre-backs Kirk Broadfoot and Gary MacKenzie and lead striker Ricardo Fuller all saw red before Neal Bishop and Angel Martinez failed to make it through a thrashing at Derby County.
The recklessness of his players was making it impossible for Ince to field a consistent side and fixtures against two of the top sides, QPR and Burnley, didn't help.
Both games were lost before the one and only point of December was registered against Leeds United on Boxing Day, with Broadfoot again being sent off.
The year ended with another limp defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, leaving Ince's men in 10th place for the turn of the year.
A real half-season of two halves for Blackpool as they went charging off at the summit before steadily dropping outside of the playoff places.
Realistically, a promotion push looked unlikely with the squad at Ince's disposal but both his and his players' ill discipline is a factor in their poor form of late.
It is doubtful that much will be added to the squad in January and Ince Snr will have to decide whether to cash in on his son or allow him to run down his contract and leave for free at the end of the season. The latter may seem less appealing, but if he is sold then Blackpool hold little chance of maintaining their place in the top half.
At the moment, a repeat of last season's 15th place looks to be the most likely outcome.
Pascal Lemesre
