Sure, cheering for "us" against "them" has always been a unavoidable part of sport, but competitors like Michael Conlan, Paddy Barnes and Ian Lewers demand admiration no matter which team they represent, as do their opponents.
Seasiders' boss Steve McMahon is bringing in the 19-year-old, who also had a brief spell on loan at Darlington earlier this season, as competition for Phil Barnes following an injury to Michael Theoklitos.