Blackpool F.C

[Jason]

If Blackpool go down won't you miss the derbies next season?

[Jason]

Oystons in tangerine bidding war

FOR the last year it has been as much a part of Blackpool's landscape as The Tower and The Big One.
But now mayor Robert Wynne's famous tangerine jacket will grace his back no more.

With just a week to go before his term as Blackpool's first citizen comes to an end, Coun Wynne put his distinctive jacket under the hammer to raise extra cash for his mayoral charity.

But even in its enforced retirement the jacket not only stoked debate, but a bidding war!

It was signed by all the Blackpool FC players and was auctioned off at the club's annual sportsman's dinner at Bloomfield Road.

Club chairmen old and new, Owen and Karl Oyston, both fancied bagging the colourful jacket and tried to outbid each other for the tangerine trademark.

Karl proved the more determined as he eventually bagged the eye-catching fashion statement with an amazing bid of £1,000.

The cash will go towards the Gazette-backed Blackpool's A Knockout appeal which, led by Coun Wynne, aims to raise £400,000 to provide MRI scanning facilities for local children.

Coun Wynne said: "I was delighted the jacket managed to raise so much money - it actually raised more than a signed Maradona shirt which is amazing!

"I've enjoyed some sporting success on the cricket pitch, but can't really compete with him in terms of achievement.

"The football club have been really supportive of the charity all year so it's nice that my jacket is going to be displayed here for years to come."

The jacket was originally part of a tangerine suit which the mayor bought on Ebay shortly after his term in office began.

He wore it to Wembley last year to see Blackpool FC win promotion through the play-offs.

Sadly the trousers became a casualty of war when they split when Coun Wynne took on Bloomfield Bear at his own charity's It's A Knockout
competition last summer.

Thankfully the eye-wateringly bright jacket lived on to become a much-photographed favourite in The Gazette.

As well as having the jacket signed, ticket stubs from Wembley were put in the top pocket with photos of the team from a visit to the town hall last year.

Finally the jacket was mounted into a frame before it was sold.

Its happy new owner said: "I'm really pleased to have won the jacket. There was a bit of friendly family rivalry between me and my dad, but eventually he backed down.

"Robert wore the jacket to Wembley and it proved lucky for us so we will make sure it goes on show at Bloomfield Road.

"Both Robert and the mayoress have done a fantastic job this year and raised an absolute fortune to help local children.

"Bidding for the jacket was really about boosting their total a bit further in recognition of how hard they have worked - we are happy to help."

[Jason]

Pool fans face 30% price hike

SEASIDERS fans have been hit with huge ticket price rises after the club retained its Championship status.
Club bosses insist increases of up to 30 per cent will help Blackpool compete with the division's bigger clubs

The price of matchday admission for adults will range from £24 to £26, compared to last season's £18 to £21.50, though the discount for buying tickets in advance rises from 50p to £1.

The minimum price for a ticket on matchday next season will be £24 – up from just £18 last season.

At neighbours Preston the cheapest ticket is just £20 while Burnley's cheapest price is £19. At Cardiff a place on the terraces costs just £16.

Chairman Karl Oyston insists Bloomfield Road will still be one of the cheapest places to watch football in the Championship.

And he also says a decision has been taken to increase the capacity at Bloomfield Road, now the smallest ground in the Championship.

"With Scunthorpe and Colchester being relegated we are now the smallest club in terms of capacity in the division," said Mr Oyston.

"We are fully committed to giving Simon Grayson every available resource to build on what has been a great season.

"Simon attended a board meeting yesterday where his team strengthening plans were ratified for next season and a decision has also been made to increase the capacity of the stadium with several options being discussed."

The rises have been given a cool reception by fans.

Fiona Martin, 21, from Cleveleys, said: "It is quite a substantial hike.

"I think it will put some people off. I think our season ticket numbers will go down next season.

"I think it is a good decision to put them up but not as much as this. We have been paying League One prices for Championship football this season."

Jane Stuart, 31, who travels to see the Seasiders from Walsall, agrees with the decision, said: "The ticket prices didn't go up last season and we got promoted.

"I haven't got a problem with it at all. I expected it to be honest.

"The quality of football has gone up. We are selling out every week and the demand is there."

Phil Corbett, 49, who travels from Leeds to Bloomfield Road, said: "We have been far and away the cheapest ground I have been to this season.

"I know some people will find it difficult but I can understand it."

The price of an adult season ticket bought from today at the full 20 per cent discount rate ranges from £423-£460, having been £336-£403.20 last season.

Season tickets go on sale today at 9am from the club shop.

[Jason]

Blackpool are closing in on England youth international Joe Martin after Tottenham accepted an offer for the Seasiders' former loanee.The 19-year-old spent time on loan at Bloomfield Road last season, which culminated in a first-team appearance against Watford in May.

Martin will now travel to Blackpool to discuss personal terms.

Blackpool manager Simon Grayson said: "The lad did ever so well for us last year, even in the one game he played.

"We saw a lot in the training sessions to realise he would be an excellent addition to the squad.

"He played left-side midfield against Watford and we know he can play at left-back and in the centre of midfield.

"We want a hungry young player who wants to make a name in the game.

"He has a great attitude and wants to play and learn and hopefully it will be concluded and he will become a Blackpool player."

[Jason]

Grayson looks East again

SIMON Grayson has not ruled out heading East in an effort to bolster Blackpool's Championship hopes.
Kaspars Gorkss was the last East European to sign for Pool but there could be more to come if Grayson likes the look of a new batch of players he is casting his eye over.

Lithuanian international Mindaugas Kalonas is one man the manager is set to take a look at.

He is a midfielder who featured in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Scotland, France and Russia and lists Dynamo Moscow and Latvian outfit FK Liepajas Metalurgs among his previous clubs.

He is currently playing for Russian Premier side FC Kuban.

Grayson had two other East European players on trial during the tour of Latvia.

Darius Zutautas, 29, also Lithuanian, can play at left back and centre back and scored the 90th minute equaliser against FK Jurmala in the opener.

He is available from Latvian club FK Ventspils.

The other trialist was Olegs Baikovs, a Latvian who plays his football in Macedonia for Vardars and lists his best position as left back.

Grayson has not ruled out having a further look at both. "Signing players from Eastern Europe is something we have been looking at," said Grayson.

"We had two lads playing for us in Latvia.

"They are the sort of players that haven't played a lot of football recently and yet they've played their part in two games."

================
Pool held by Wrexham

THE Seasiders failed to get the better of non-league Wrexham in a 0-0 draw at the Racecourse Ground today.
At least Simon Grayson's men avoiding conceding a goal - unlike the four they gave away at Skonto Riga earlier in the week - but on the downside, they couldn't hit the back of the net at the other end.

Steve Kabba was twice thwarted when in decent positions and Stuart Green and Keith Southern had good opportunities, both created after intelligent work by Ben Burgess.

Wrexham, who worked hard and gave Blackpool a very good workout, had good opportunities too and striker Marc Williams should have converted one of two good chance. Left winger Sam Aiston also missed from barely four yards in the first half, the best opening of the match.

Simon Grayson again proclaimed himself happy with what he'd seen, though he'll be hoping that at least a couple of his eight injured players are back in action soon.

The manager has also revealed he's hoping to make his eighth signing of the summer in the next 48 hours. He has a bid in for an unnamed man and is hoping it will be accepted.

[HutchinsonCreations]

No activity in here for a while!

Looking forward to this season under Ian Holloway. Not wanting to make any predictions this early, but it's going to be tough! With the new stand coming up, a new manager, and players who actually want to play for the club, the future's bright!

Up the 'pool!

[brocky]

Yeah, got my season ticket today! Moving to block A which will be quite a change in atmosphere (I've spent last two seasons in the West!)

Can't wait to see Charlie Adam knocking another one in aginst Preston this season (Please please please!!!)

[kidder]

A Block Army now then mate, up the pool.

Originally Posted by brocky

Yeah, got my season ticket today! Moving to block A which will be quite a change in atmosphere (I've spent last two seasons in the West!)

Can't wait to see Charlie Adam knocking another one in aginst Preston this season (Please please please!!!)