SLO_BFC
Well-known member
Silverware for Blackpool FC arrived in the shape of the Central League Cup on Tuesday night, appropriately on the 70th anniversary of that most famous FA Cup victory at Wembley. Well done to the youngsters of the development squad, to their coach Neal Eardley (and of course to Stephen Dobbie before him), and to the backroom staff.
In its first season, the development squad (formed as a much-needed bridge between the academy and the senior squad) finished in the runner-up slot in its Central League division and then crowned the campaign by beating Wigan Athletic on penalties in Tuesday’s League Cup Final. It was a positive note on which to finish our schedule of competitive games at Bloomfield Road, and promises well for the future. It was great to see so many fans there supporting our youngsters on the night.
Let’s not forget that Blackpool FC Girls and Ladies have also won silverware this season, and the Emerging Talent Centre for girls is successfully up and running.
A big shout out also to the head groundsman and his team, for the playing surface at Bloomfield Road looks as good at the end of the league campaign as it did at the start, and it’s not often we’ve been able to say that over the years.
I’m led to believe there will be plenty of other reflection on that 70th anniversary Cup Final win elsewhere in today’s paper, so I’ll just make a couple of related observations here. The first is personal. I had no previous or family ties to Blackpool but as a youngster that 1953 final captured my imagination and started my lifelong love of Blackpool FC. The second is a reminder that the Club is hosting a special anniversary lunch event on June 4th. For £19.53 per person, you’ll get a Sunday roast, the full 90 minutes screening of that historic final plus special half-time guests. See the Club website for details.
Although we’re heading to League One next season, recent performances under interim first-team coach Stephen Dobbie have also given cause for hope. Clearly there are wholesale changes in process at the Club right now and these are being made as quickly as is practical in order to give the new management team at Blackpool FC the best opportunity to re-set, re-focus and plan for the changes in the playing squad that will give us the best chance of success on the field when the new campaign commences in August.
Simon Sadler has always maintained that his tenure as owner and custodian is a long-term project and that the sustainability of a well-run football club for the town and community is his guiding principle. Blackpool FC has taken some big steps forward in the last four years and I’m confident lessons have been learned from this season’s reversals. We go again, and let’s as fans give constructive support to the next phase of the tangerine journey.
Have a good summer. Stay in touch with progress through the usual channels – the new pre-season is barely ten weeks away.
UTMP!
Steve Rowland
FB and Twitter: @BFCSLO Email: slo@blackpoolfc.co.uk
In its first season, the development squad (formed as a much-needed bridge between the academy and the senior squad) finished in the runner-up slot in its Central League division and then crowned the campaign by beating Wigan Athletic on penalties in Tuesday’s League Cup Final. It was a positive note on which to finish our schedule of competitive games at Bloomfield Road, and promises well for the future. It was great to see so many fans there supporting our youngsters on the night.
Let’s not forget that Blackpool FC Girls and Ladies have also won silverware this season, and the Emerging Talent Centre for girls is successfully up and running.
A big shout out also to the head groundsman and his team, for the playing surface at Bloomfield Road looks as good at the end of the league campaign as it did at the start, and it’s not often we’ve been able to say that over the years.
I’m led to believe there will be plenty of other reflection on that 70th anniversary Cup Final win elsewhere in today’s paper, so I’ll just make a couple of related observations here. The first is personal. I had no previous or family ties to Blackpool but as a youngster that 1953 final captured my imagination and started my lifelong love of Blackpool FC. The second is a reminder that the Club is hosting a special anniversary lunch event on June 4th. For £19.53 per person, you’ll get a Sunday roast, the full 90 minutes screening of that historic final plus special half-time guests. See the Club website for details.
Although we’re heading to League One next season, recent performances under interim first-team coach Stephen Dobbie have also given cause for hope. Clearly there are wholesale changes in process at the Club right now and these are being made as quickly as is practical in order to give the new management team at Blackpool FC the best opportunity to re-set, re-focus and plan for the changes in the playing squad that will give us the best chance of success on the field when the new campaign commences in August.
Simon Sadler has always maintained that his tenure as owner and custodian is a long-term project and that the sustainability of a well-run football club for the town and community is his guiding principle. Blackpool FC has taken some big steps forward in the last four years and I’m confident lessons have been learned from this season’s reversals. We go again, and let’s as fans give constructive support to the next phase of the tangerine journey.
Have a good summer. Stay in touch with progress through the usual channels – the new pre-season is barely ten weeks away.
UTMP!
Steve Rowland
FB and Twitter: @BFCSLO Email: slo@blackpoolfc.co.uk
