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A guide to Blackpool Football Club

Other Club Guides

Bloomfield Road: Home of Blackpool Football Club

Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool.

 

 

Luton Town v Blackpool

BLACKPOOL, a former major force in domestic football, and FA Cup winners in 1952-53, and finalists in 1947-48 and 1950-51 - and runners-up in the old First Division in 1955-56 - and former club of Sir Stanley Matthews - are a club with a long and dignified history...

 

Address:

Bloomfield Road

Seasiders Way

Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 6JJ

Telephone:

0870 - 4431953

Ground Capacity:
11,000
Official Website:
www.blackpoolfc.co.uk
Unofficial Websites:
Seasiders.Net

AVFTT.com

How to get there:

By Road:
EXIT M55 follow signs to Car Parks and South Shore, head down Yeadon Way and you will see ground to your right.

By Rail:
BLACKPOOL North Station is the main station in Blackpool and is about 20 minutes walk from the ground. Blackpool South Station on the other hand is 5 mins walk away.

By Bus:
FROM the town center the Number 5 & 11 Service go near the ground.

By Tram:
A trip to Blackpool wouldn’t be complete without a ride on a tram. The nearest tram stop to the ground is Manchester Square.

Parking:
THE stadium is surrounded by council car parks varying in price.

Other than the football...:

TOURISTS have been heading to Blackpool for a break by the sea since the late 1700s.

Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower.

Then they came because it was believed the coastal breezes had healthy properties away from the smoke and grime of inner cities.

Today though, Blackpool is renowned for being bright and brash - a place for fun.

More than 15 million people visit the north western English town each year with many coming back time after time.

Blackpool beach

Blackpool Beach.

Near the ground The Swift Hound (Rigby Road) serves good food and welcomes away supporters, there is a MacDonald's and Frankie & Bennie's are just across the car park. The Manchester on the prom usually offers entertainment exclusively for visiting supporters. The Foxhall further down the prom is another lively place. The Bridge and The Auctioneer both on Lytham Road are decent pubs.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Blackpool's attractions include the Tower, which was built at the end of the 19th century, the Pleasure Beach, founded in 1896, and the golden sands which stretch for miles.

The long summer season is extended until November with the annual Illuminations lightning spectacular.

Irish rock band Westlife, the cast of Coronation Street and three-time Grand National winner Red Rum have been some of the star names to switch on the Lights.

The North Pier

The North Pier.

Blackpool also boasts three piers. The North Pier was built in 1863, Central Pier in 1868 and the South Pier 1894.

The town, which has a population of 145,000, has a vibrant nightlife and gay scene.

With a staggering 12.5 million visitors every year, there are over 90,000 holiday beds, with prices to suit all budgets.

There's plenty to see and do:

Go down to the Promenade and cover the Golden Mile on board a vintage tram

Visit the Pleasure Beach. Established for over 100 years with 145 attractions, its newest attraction is the Valhalla - an indoor Viking longboat that travels through wind, rain and fire.  It also has the Pepsi Big One, a massive roller coaster that was once the biggest in the World.

Climb Blackpool Tower, a half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower. Propose marriage at the top or dance 1930's style in the ballroom at the bottom.

The Blackpool Illuminations light up the town from the end of August until the beginning of November.

Book a seat at the Pavilion Theatre Winter Gardens - there are 5 or 6 shows under one roof.

Be entertained by the cast and staff of Funny Girls on Queen Street.

A trip wouldn't be complete without a hearty portion of fish 'n' chips. The best chippie in Blackpool is The Cottage, where even the stars bask in the batter.

The £500,000 Great Promenade Show public art scheme aims to put Blackpool on the International Art Map. And, trendy cafes, bars and restaurants have opened up in town, including Mojo's champagne bar.

Other highlights include the Adrenalin Zone when you can thrill to the Adrenalin rush of the Sky Coaster, a Reverse Bungee jump reaching 200kmph in 2 seconds, the Crazy Mouse Roller Coaster and the Sky Screamer.

The Blackpool Countryside Experience is a series of nature walks from Stanley park through the Woodland Gardens, aorung herons reach and linking to Marton.

Many enjoy the Blackpool Model Village, an enchanting attractions set in 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens. A welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the resort's more livelier attractions.

Louis Tussaud's Waxworks

Louis Tussaud's Waxworks.

The Blackpool Zoo Park is 32 Acres. Home to 400 animals including lions, tigers,elephants and gorillas. Other attractions include miniature railway and dolphin simulator.

Louis Tussaud's Waxworks has five floors packed with over 150 amazing waxwork figures of stage, screen, TV, sporting greats, rock and pop, historical figures and royalty.

The Sea Life Centre

The Sea Life Centre.

The Sandcastle Waterworld is a  family and disabled friendly, award-winning Waterworld, it's a subtropical paradise with constant temperatures of 84oF, while the Sea Life Centre gives you an amazing journey beneath the waves. See a wide range of marine creatures, both native and tropical.

Meanwhile, The Exhibition Of The Universe (Formerly the Alien & UFO Exhibition) was built by Mr. David Boyle, a researcher in all fields of the unexplained, spirituality, 'super-natural' and a campaigner for the right of mankind to know the truths behind who controls us and why. David travels far and wide to share his knowledge.

The nightlife is excellent in Blackpool and a bar/club that I can particularly recommend from personal experience is the 'Walkabout' bar - make a visit and see if you agree!

A Hatter and an Tangerine - Steve Davis
A Hatter and a Tangerine: Steve Davis
Steve Davis.

A solid, uncompromising central defender who was always a danger from set-pieces, Steve Davis began his career with Southampton as a teenager after signing professional forms in the 1987-88 season, and following loan spells with both Burnley and Notts County, he was transferred to Turf Moor on a permanent basis for £60,000 in 1991 after making just 6 appearances for the Saints.

He played well over 200 games for the Clarets in his four years at the club, scoring 25 goals in the process, a good return for a central defender.  He was also a member of the Burnley side that won the old Division Four in 1992.  In the summer of 1995 he signed for Luton for a tribunal set fee of £750,000, after Burnley had been relegated to the Second Division.  Bought to the club by then manager Terry Westley as a vice-captain to Gary Waddock, he became a hugely popular figure with the fans, and after Waddock had retired, he became the club's full-time captain.

Davis was unfortunate however to be relegated back to the Second Division in his first season with the Hatters, after a poor start to the season which inevitably led to the inexperienced Westley being sacked.  Lennie Lawrence joined the club as manager to replace the departed Westley during the Christmas period of that season, and Davis undoubtedly flourished with the new manager at the helm.  However, Lawrence could not prevent Luton from slipping into Second Division football.  Although the fee was more than Luton had expected, it proved to be worth every penny, as he was a colossus in an otherwise unsteady defence.  Suspended three times during the 1995-96 campaign, his value was illustrated by the fact that the club's best performances came when he was in the side, while they invariably lost when he was missing.  In his first season with the Hatters, Davis had made 36 appearances and scored two League goals, the first coming in a 3-1 home win over Portsmouth as Luton looked to avoid relegation.

Back in the Second Division for the 1997-98 season, Davis made a tame start, but went on to enjoy an outstanding campaign after relinquishing the captain's armband after losing it for a short while.  Excellent in the air, he was rock solid in defence at centre-back and weighed in with nine goals, making him the club's second highest league scorer behind the prolific Tony Thorpe.  His excellent form was such that he was elected to the PFA Second Division XI by his fellow professionals.  Unfortunately, Luton were beaten by Crewe Alexandra in the play-offs and Davis faced another season in the Second Division.

After narrowly missing out on promotion straight back to the First Division the previous season, Davis, once again, emerged as one of Luton's most consistent players in the 1997-98 campaign, putting together performances that were rewarded by him winning the Players' Player of the Year award, and the highest number of Man of the Match awards.  Solid as ever in the centre of defence, despite having to play alongside several different partners, as dictated by injury and form, good in the air, and extremely sure footed, such was his importance that he was picked when not even fully fit.  Although in a struggling side, he was not able to score as many goals as in the previous season, he nevertheless netted on half a dozen occasions and was always a danger when able to move forward.  With the side plagued by injuries they endured a very disappointing season and were never able to mount a serious promotion challenge.  Once again, Davis faced another season in Division Two even though it was obvious to everyone that he could play at a much higher level.

Davis was by far and away the most consistent player in the Luton side during the first half of the 1998-99 season, never losing the ball, always giving 100% towards the cause and scoring an outstanding 10 goals in just 29 appearances from central defence.  Almost every goal scored by Davis was a header from a set piece routine, and he was a true leader of the struggling side, scoring a memorable goal in the disappointing 1-2 home defeat by Hull City in the FA Cup First Round with a run that saw 5 defenders beaten as well as the goalkeeper.  However, with Luton in severe financial difficulties, Davis was transferred back to his former club Burnley for the same £750,000 transfer fee that was originally exchanged between the two clubs for the player's services.  Described by Burnley manager Stan Ternent as "A no gamble signing", he was welcomed back to Turf Moor by Burnley supporters who had never wanted to see him leave in the first instance.  It was a different story at Kenilworth Road though as supporters had not only seen their star player sold again, but an influential captain had been lost.

Davis continued his good form at Burnley, netting 4 goals in 19 League appearances in the second half of the 1998-99 campaign, including a brace in a win at MillwallBurnley were already resigned to another season in Division Two before Davis joined though and the season ended with Burnley finishing in mid-table.

1999-00 was a different story though as Burnley stormed to the First Division, a 2-1 win at Scunthorpe on the last day of the season clinching promotion.  Davis was again magnificent, a rock at the back and a great threat when moving into the opposition's penalty area.  He played a total of 48 matches in all competitions, scoring 7 goals, which included a brace in a 2-1 win at Colchester.

Back in the First Division, Davis was again leading by example and had been handed the Burnley captaincy.

After three seasons in Division One with The Clarets, Davis was released when manager Stan Ternent decided that he needed fresh blood to spearhead an assault towards the Premiership.  Still a big favourite with the Burnley faithful, Davis signed a two-year deal with Division Two Blackpool during the 2003-04 pre-season, which meant that he would be returning to Kenilworth Road for the 2003-04 campaign.

One of the best players to have pulled on a Luton shirt in the 90's, it seems staggering that he was never given a chance in the Premiership.  He will always be remembered as a great player for Luton though.

The Club and The Ground

BLACKPOOL have had a rich and varied past and over time have had some outstanding players, such as Sir Stanley Matthews, Stan Mortensen and Alan Ball.  They were a real force in English football during the 40s and 50s, but after a rapid decline, they nearly went out of the Football League in the early 90s.  In recent years, there major successes have come in cup competitions, most notably the LDV Vans Trophy.

In an ambitious move, the club announced in 2000 that they were embarking on the re-development of the whole of Bloomfield Road, which would result in a new 16,000 all-seated stadium. Phase one of the project was completed in February 2002, with the opening of the new North & West Stands. Phase two is commencing this season with the rebuilding of the South & East Stands, resulting in a similar look to the existing North & West Stands. 

The single-tiered West & North Stands are located at one side and at one end of the ground. They are impressive looking and the North West corner between them has also been filled with seating, so that this area of the ground is enclosed. At the back of the West Stand is a row of executive boxes. A personal gripe is that while understanding the club's need for revenue, naming the West Stand, 'The Pricebusters Matthews Stand' rather than just 'The Sir Stanley Matthews Stand', seems somewhat crass. Both the other sides of the ground have now been demolished. On the East side of the ground an open temporary 'golf style' seated stand has been erected to house Hatters supporters, whilst at the South end of the ground a new stand is being constructed.

With the major re-development of Bloomfield Road being undertaken this season, Hatters fans will find themselves being housed in a temporary stand on the Eastern side of the ground. The stand more reminiscent of the type found at the 18th hole of the British Open Golf Championships, rather than at a football ground, has a capacity of 1,700. At the time of writing it is not clear as to what facilities will be available to Hatters fans, but due to the nature of the stand, I wouldn't hold out much hope of finding much comfort. The stand also does not have a roof, so hope that it does not rain on your visit. At least though this stand will be closer to the pitch than the now demolished South Stand, which was used by away fans last season. It is also possible that if the new South Stand is completed before the end of the season, then Hatters supporters may be moved into the new stand at that time. 

But whatever stand you end up in this season, remember to wrap up well in winter as the wind that comes off the Irish Sea can go right through you!  On the whole I found the ground to be a welcoming one and thoroughly enjoyed my last visit.

Ground Guide courtesy of the excellent Internet Football Ground Guide.

History - Blackpool Football Club

The History of Blackpool Football Club dates back one hundred years to 1877 when Victoria Football Club was founded with Rev. James Wayman as president. The clubs first ground was on Manchester's Field, off Caunce Street, Blackpool.

The first decade saw the disbandment of the Victoria Club and the formation of Blackpool St Johns team which consisted mainly of the old boys of the school. In 1887 a dispute among the players led to a meeting at the Stanley Arms Hotel on the 26th of July under the chairmanship of Mr. Samuel Bancroft where it was resolved : "That a club be formed to be known as Blackpool Football Club".

In 1888 the club became founder members of the Lancashire League and enjoyed 8 successful seasons culminating in the winning of the championship in 1893-94 after being pipped on goal average by Liverpool in the previous season.

In May 1896 Blackpool F.C. became a Limited Company with a capital of £2,000 in £1 shares and a few months later made a successful application to join the Football League. The circular supporting the application read : "If elected to the Second Division, we shall do our best to maintain a team that will hold an advanced position and do credit to the Blackpool Club and the Second Division". How well this promise was kept since well over half of the seasons to date have been spent in Division Two and, until the disastrous 1978-79 season, an "advanced position" was maintained. The club's Football League status was lost in 1899 and the club spent another season in the Lancashire League. The demise, however, was short-lived and the club was re-elected in 1900 and has maintained its League status up to the present time.

Blackpool's first League match was played at Lincoln City on September the 5th, 1896 the team that day was : Douglas; Bowman; Parr (Captain); Stuart; Stirzaker; Norris; Clarkin; Donnelly; J.Parkinson; R.Parkinson; Mount. The match was played before a crowd of about 2,000 and resulted in a 3-1 defeat. Blackpool's first ever League goal being scored by Charles Mount in the second half.

The first season saw Blackpool finish in eighth position in the Second Division with a total of 31 points from 30 matches played. The home record is worthy of note as only 5 points were dropped - the club's best ever performance, although it must be said that only 15 games were played with 21 in most seasons since then.

For the next thirty years Blackpool remained in the Second Division with varying degrees of success. The seasons after the end of World War One saw the club striving for promotion to the First Division as can be seen from the following finishing positions:-

This period saw the emergence of George Mee who gained his place in the team in 1920 and remained in the side for five seasons, never missing a match and creating a record sequence of 195 consecutive appearances which stands to this day. To say that George was a club stalwart is a gross understatement. He maintained his connections with the club and was still breaking records as a Tote agent right up to his death in the late 1970's

Other notable players of this era were outside right Jack Charles, who later became the club's trainer, as did Bert Tulloch, a great right full back. His partner at full back was Peter Fairhurst, who unfortunately died in hospital after heading a heavy, rain-soaked ball during a league match.

Also with the Club were Billy Benton, "Matty" Barrass, Jackie Meredith and Albert "Taffy" Jones, who later gained international recognition and was transferred to Blackburn Rovers for the then colossal fee of £6,000.

A period of centre forward supremacy followed for Blackpool. Harry Bedford was signed in 1921 and was leading goal-scorer for several seasons. He was also the leading Second Division goal-scorer for two seasons. Bedford was also selected to represent England on two occasions and on three occasions appeared in the Inter-League matches.
In one of these he scored four goals.

In 1927 Jimmy Hampson came to the club from Nelson. He was a brilliant centre forward who gained both International and Inter-League honours. In 1927-28 season he scored 31 goals in 32 games. This was the season he was "chaired" by the crowd at Bloomfield Road.

The following season he scored 40 goals, heading the list of scorers in the Second Division. Season 1929-30 saw him even more successful, with 45 goals - the highest total in the country. In season 1930-31 he scored 32 goals, and this was in the First Division.

Hampson cost the club only £2,000 and what a buy he was. He scored 247 goals in 360 games and, without doubt, was the player mainly responsible for Blackpool's promotion to the First Division.

Jimmy Hampson, out in a small boat on a fishing trip at Fleetwood, was drowned on the 10th January 1938. His body was never recovered. It was tragic end for a great player and an irreplaceable one.

In the 1922-23 season, Blackpool directors made a most astute move. The great Major Frank Buckley was appointed to the managerial chair. Buckley was a most amazing person. He had revolutionary training ideas and his scouting system was first class. He stayed at Blackpool for a period of four years and there is no doubt that his shrewd management greatly assisted the advancement of the club.

Seasons 1923-24 and 1924-25 were a testing time for Blackpool, for they were beset by a series of misfortunes which at first appeared insurmountable, but which subsequently led to a great show of support from the townspeople and the advent of that great band of sportsmen - members of The Supporters' Club. These supporters have worked tirelessly during the past fifty-odd years and through their efforts many thousands of pounds have been raised for the Club.

Mr. C. Wells resigned during this period as Director and Sir Lindsay Parkinson withdrew in November 1924. Then followed the service writ for the sum of £3,618. This writ referred to moneys owing for a new concrete wall which had been erected on the Bloomfield Ground, £1,000 of the total cost had been paid, but the claimants were now demanding the residue.

A special meeting was called at the Lecture Hall of the Free Library in Blackpool and a decision was reached to increase the share capital from £5,000 to £10,000. Money was forthcoming from within the town and in a matter of weeks the account was settled.

It was at this same meeting that the Blackpool Supporters' Club came into being. It was one of the first Supporters' Clubs to be formed for a Football League Club and it continued to flourish until it's demise at the end of the 1995-96 season.

At the latter part of the 1924-25 season, the Board of Directors put in hand a scheme for ground improvement. This included the erection of a new stand, on the south side of the ground, to accommodate 2,000 people. Included in the new stand was to be a new Boardroom, offices, dressing-rooms, baths and a gymnasium. The work was completed during the 1925-26 season at a cost of £13,146 11s 0d. - a modest sum for such an imposing structure.

Blackpool remained in the First Division for only three years and each of these proved a hard struggle for survival. Finally in the 1932-33 season, the inevitable happened and the Club was relegated to the Second Division.

Less than 48 hours before relegation, the Directors were served with a requisition, which they presumed was a vote of no confidence. A battle was then waged for seats on the Board and eventually six of the then Directors were unseated and an almost new Board of Directors formed.

The surviving Directors were Mr. Sam Butterworth, who subsequently became the Club's Life President and Mr. Harry Evans, who later became Chairman.

Major Frank Buckley had by now left Blackpool and Mr. Alec MacFarlane was appointed manager. Several new players were obtained, including Bert Thomson from Glasgow Celtic, Tom Jones from Burnley and Bob Dougall from Hamilton. Scouts were also sent to Ireland and Sam Jones, Irish International wing-half and a young man named Peter Doherty, later to develop into an outstanding player, were signed from Irish League Clubs. Also signed were Jock Wallace, a goalkeeper from Raith Rovers, Dick Whitham, full-back from Huddersfield Town and Alan Hall, a centre-forward from Tottenham Hotspur.

Money appeared to be no object to the Club, who were determined to build up a strong team. They were determined that a return to First Division football was vital to the Club if it was to prosper and every possible effort was made to achieve this, but the team was only moderately successful and promotion remained as elusive as it had been in the past.

It was now that the ability of young Peter Doherty came to notice. He was rapidly developing into an outstanding ball-player and making his mark as a forward of outstanding merit.

The year 1935 saw the appointment of Mr. Joe Smith as manager. His approach was a "down to earth" one, his interest centred not on the background of his players but on their actual playing ability. It was Mr. Smith who realised the ability of Bob Finan, a youngster who had come to Blackpool from a Scottish junior club. Finan scored thirty-four goals in his first season with the club.

Blackpool have never been a wealthy club and, in 1936, when Manchester City made approaches for the transfer of Peter Doherty, the offer had to be considered. The player was not keen to leave and the Club certainly were not enthusiastic, but the sum of £10,000 offered was an inducement which eventually could not be refused.

The Club, however, continued to build up its resources with the object of obtaining promotion again. Frank Hill was signed from Arsenal, Danny Blair from Aston Villa and George Farrow from Bournemouth and these three newcomers played an important part in Blackpool's successful 1936-37 season, when promotion was achieved.

The start of the Second World War brought about the abandonment of League Football. Few would disagree that the take-over of the town by The RAF enhanced the fortunes of the Club though it must be said that, when war was declared on 3rd September, 1939, the "Seasiders" were sitting pretty at the top of Division One having won all three games played.

Blackpool's team at the start of the 1939-40 season was: Wallace; Siblet; Butler; Farrow; Hayward; Johnston; Finan; Astley; Dodds; Buchan; O'Donnell (H). It will be noted that the dashing "Jock" Dodds appears in the team. He had been signed from Sheffield United for £10,000 and proved to be an excellent investment.

Blackpool became one of the chief training centres for the Royal Air Force during the war years, and many famous players were drafted to the town. They all played for the Blackpool club when war-time football was gradually introduced. In the 1941-42 season, Blackpool won the Northern League championship and the following year the War Cup, beating Sheffield Wednesday in a replay 2-1.

A match of outstanding merit was played at Stamford Bridge in 1943, between Arsenal and Blackpool, for the championship of England. Blackpool won 4-2, and the team which gained this success was; Savage (Leeds); Pope (Hearts); Hubbick (Bolton); Farrow (Blackpool); Hayward (Blackpool); Matthews (Stoke); Dix (Spurs); Dodds (Blackpool); Finan (Blackpool); Burbanks (Sunderland).

As will be seen, Stanley Matthews appeared in this side, although he was still on Stoke City's books. It was later that he joined Blackpool and displayed at Bloomfield Road all the skills and intricacies which were his and his alone.

With the end of the war and the return to peace-time soccer, Blackpool now found itself in a very fine position. The club had an excellent nucleus of players on its books and the £30,000 overdraft had almost disappeared.

Stanley Mortenson now came to the fore. He had developed into an extremely fast and skilful player and made the centre-forward berth his own for many years. In season 1946-47 he scored 28 goals and 31 the following season. He became first choice for England, appearing in numerous International and Inter-League games.

Mention must also be made in the early post-war period of Ronnie Stuart, who was a valuable player for the Club. He was later transferred to Blackburn Rovers, but returned to Blackpool as manager, succeeding Joe Smith. Eric Hayward was another excellent player for Blackpool. He gave many years service as centre half and eventually became Club coach.

Two players bought in the mid-1940's were to prove of inestimable value. The first was Eddie Shimwell, who came from Sheffield United for £7,000 and became a great full-back. The second was Stanley Matthews, who was transferred from Stoke City for £11,000 - surely the best "buy" that Blackpool ever made.

The Club has never won the First Division championship, but they came very close in seasons 1956-57, when they finished fourth, 1950-51 when they were third, and in 1955-56 when they were runners-up to Manchester United.

Blackpool's record up to 1947 could only be regarded as mediocre, for since 1925 they never reached the last eight and it appeared that the Tangerines would never have the good fortune to battle through to a Cup Final and play at Wembley Stadium. However, in 1948, the "hoodoo" was broken and Blackpool succeeded in reaching the final.

Their opponents were Manchester United, who have repeatedly been Blackpool's "bogey" team, and on this occasion it also turned out to be the case and Blackpool were beaten. Beaten, but not discouraged. Now that they had felt the Wembley turf they were again determined to get there, and they did so three years later. Again, unfortunately, they were to be losing finalists, this time to Newcastle United.

Back again came the Blackpool team in 1953, in a final which came to be known as the "Matthews" final. The maestro had won every honour in the game except a Cup Winner's medal and this was possibly the last opportunity he would have of winning this coveted honour. The game proved to be a thriller, with their opponents - Bolton Wanderers - in the lead until Blackpool, inspired by Matthews, clinched the match by four goals to three. Matthews thus obtained his Cup Winners medal.

The FA Cup winning team was: Farm; Shimwell; Garrett; Fenton; Johnston; Robinson; Matthews; Taylor; Mortenson; Mudie; Perry.

Matthews remained in Blackpool until October 1961 when he moved back to the Potteries to his old club - Stoke City. He was awarded the O.B.E. in 1957, and knighted in the New Year's Honours List.

During Blackpool's glorious era in the First Division a wealth of football talent appeared in the famous tangerine jerseys. It is impossible to name all the players who have assisted in maintaining the high standard of soccer at Bloomfield Road. However, in addition to those players already mentioned, reference must be made to others.

Players such as, Roy Gatrix, David Durie, Bill Perry, Jackie Mudie, George Farm, Ernie Taylor, Allan Brown and Harry Johnston.

Harry was Blackpool's longest serving player, his playing career covering the 20 years and 5 months between may 1935 and November 1955. He was regarded in football circles as one of the game's gentlemen. He returned to the club as assistant manager to Stan Mortenson in 1967.

The team which won the FA Cup in 1953 and which had come so close to carrying off the Division One Championship had now broken up. The early part of the decade was spent rebuilding a team to consolidate the club's position in the top flight but this was not to prove easy. In 1960-61 the team narrowly avoided relegation, finishing in 20th position. We could finish no higher than 13th position in the next 5 seasons and were eventually relegated in 1966-67.

It was during this period that Jimmy Armfield completed most of his record 568 appearances for the club, at the same time appearing for England in 43 Internationals. He captained his country on 15 occasions, the only Blackpool player ever to captain an International team.

Alan Ball joined the club as a 17-year-old in 1962 and became the only Blackpool player to appear in a World Cup Final before being transferred to Everton for £112,000- a figure which was at the time a record fee for two British Clubs.

Much talent was unearthed through the Club's scouting system only to be lost, mostly for financial reasons. Emlyn Hughes and Tony Green were two players in this category who went on to gain international honours with their new clubs. Other players who represented the club during the decade were Ray Charnley, one of the club's most prolific goal scorers, Tommy Hutchinson, John McPhee, Tom White, Ray Parry and Alan Suddick. Alan joined 'Pool in 1966 from Newcastle United for what was then a Club record fee of £60,000.

After three years in Division Two, Blackpool regained promotion so the 70's decade began on a bright note. Unfortunately the euphoria was short lived and, after a season during which only four victories were recorded, the Club was once again relegated. This was a prelude to the darkest period in the Club's history although performances in the following seasons were hardly a foretaste of the disaster which was to befall.

The positions held in Division two were as follows:

1971-72 Sixth

1973-74 Fifth

1975-76 Tenth

1972-73 Seventh

1974-75 Seventh

1976-77 Fifth

Despite the Club's performance in the latter season it became obvious that a lack of goals, only 58 from 42 matches, was preventing a consistent drive for promotion. To remedy this, Harry Potts, who was then manager, brought Malcom Smith on loan from Middlesbrough and he seemed to be the answer to the problem. He scored six goals in eight matches, including a double on his final appearance, which helped to secure a valuable away victory over Notts County. Smith returned to Middlesbrough the following week, Blackpool being unable to raise the modest sum which would have secured his permanent transfer. The public outcry at this failure resulted in the resignation of Mr. Frank Dickinson and his fellow directors who were replaced by a board chaired by Mr. Bill Cartmell. As with new brooms, so new boards sometimes sweep clean and this one was no exception. Harry Potts departed to be replaced in the managerial chair by one of the heroes of the golden post-war period, Allan Brown.

A successful start to the 1978-79 campaign was followed by a mid-season slump, but the turn of the year seemed to herald a change in fortune. Bob Hatton, a striker signed in the previous season from Birmingham City, was heading the country's goal scoring charts and a resounding five goals trouncing of Blackburn Rovers. The following day a mistimed press release in a Sunday newspaper led to the departure of Allan Brown and the appointment of Jimmy Meadows as a caretaker/manager. Whilst these events were taking place, Bob Hatton suffered a serious injury in training as a result of which he was absent for most of the remaining matches. 'Pool at that time held a reasonable position in the top half of the table.

What followed in the closing few weeks of the 1978-79 season could not have been predicted by the most enlightened forecaster. It had been a hard winter with many postponements but Blackpool had, as usual, escaped the worst of the elements and had completed their fixtures before most other clubs. Towards the end of April there remained a dozen or so matches to be played in Division Two, each one involving clubs in the relegation zone. Each one had to result in a certain way for 'Pool to be relegated, and despite the astronomical odds against such an occurrence, each result went the wrong way.  The team and officials were on an end-of -season tour in the United States when the final result of the infamous match at Ninian Park came through. The visitors, Orient, had to beat Cardiff City to avoid the third relegation spot and did so by the only goal of the match thus ensuring Blackpool's relegation to Division three for the first time in its history.

Then began the break-up of the team which, only weeks before, had looked capable of challenging for promotion. Goalkeeper, George Wood, had already left for Everton and was followed to Goodison by Mickey Walsh, who was the Second Division highest goal scorer only two seasons earlier. The latter brought a record transfer fee of £350,000, an amount which is unlikely to be exceeded if the current downward trend is maintained. Central defender, Paul Hart, joined Leeds United for another sizeable fee and Bob Hatton left for, of course, the Hatters.

Despite these huge fees, it was undoubtedly lack of finance which contributed in a large way to the Club's slide down the divisions. Leading players had to be sold to meet ever increasing expenditure and it was frustrating for officials and supporters alike to read of the successes of former players. 

The return of Bob Stokoe for a second term as manager failed to stem the slide and the team finished the 1979-80 season uncomfortably close to relegation. The appointment of Alan Ball as player/manager, heralded in many circles as the start of the Club's return to greatness, could not prevent the descent to Division Four. The reinstatement of Allan Brown proved no more successful and the team finished in mid-table in its first season in the lower division. Sam Ellis came to Bloomfield Road in 1982 and succeeded in getting Blackpool promoted within three years. But in 1989 he left and was replaced by Jimmy Mullen who lasted just one year.

Manager Jimmy Mullen left in early April with director Tom White taking over as caretaker manager for the final seven games but it was too late. The only ray of success was the FA Cup when Blackpool reached the Fifth Round only losing to Queen's Park Rangers after three games.

The 1990-91 season was both exciting and disappointing, Graham Carr started the season as manager but left at the end of November leaving his assistant Bill Ayre in charge. One of Carr's last duties was to obtain former star Dave Bamber on loan (he was later signed), From Ayre's appointment only 5 out of 30 league games were lost and 13 consecutive home game wins created- a Club record. We failed to gain automatic promotion but beat Scunthorpe United in the semi-final play-off to the final at Wembley. Amid great tension, Blackpool lost on penalties after extra time to Torquay after great support from approximately 13,000 supporters.

The 1991-92 season ended firstly in disappointment with automatic promotion again being missed at the final hurdle. The sadness turned to joy when after beating Barnet in the Semi-Final, Blackpool returned to Wembley. This time in another nail biting final, Blackpool beat Scunthorpe United on penalties. With the reorganisation of the League, 'Pool competed in Division Two in the 1992-93 campaign. Bill Ayre again performed miracles with the best home record in the Football League and Dave Bamber again top scorer.

The 1993-94 season ended in joy on the final day when a 4-1 home victory over Leyton Orient ensured that 'Pool were saved from relegation after a terrible mid-season slump. Billy Ayre ended his association with the Club in the summer and was eventually replaced by Sam Allardyce in readiness for the 1994-95 campaign.

The 1994-95 season ended in mid-table after being close to the play off zone with three quarters of the season gone but a disastrous spell ended any hope. The season was noted for the signings made, Tony Ellis from Preston North End before the season started, for £165,000, and he finished top scorer. The club broke its record signing when Andy Morrison came from Blackburn Rovers for £245,000 in mid season.

During the 1995-96 season the fans had great hopes of promotion at the start of the season with the £205,000 signing of Andy Preece from Crystal Palace, Marvin Bryan from QPR for £20,000, Andy Barlow from Oldham on a free transfer, Rick Holden also on a free transfer from Oldham, and goalkeeper Steve Banks for £60,000 from Gillingham. David Linighan and Lee Philpott also signed from Ipswich and Leicester for £80,000 and £100,000 later in the season and Colin Pascoe coming in on deadline day. Plus a number of players coming in on loan most notably Eric Nixon who spent most of the end of the season at Bloomfield Road. 

Blackpool went on a number of unbeaten runs through out the season taking them to the top of the division and they looked a certainty for promotion. But a disastrous run towards the end of the season took Blackpool to need 6 points from their last 2 games against Walsall and York City. A 2-0 defeat at home condemned the seasiders to the play-offs. A superb performance away at Bradford City gave 'Pool a 2-0 advantage to take to Bloomfield Road but Chris Kamara's side pulled off a 3-0 win against a disappointing Blackpool side. Manager Sam Allardyce paid the ultimate price and was replaced.

Since that time Blackpool have had a number of Manager's including Gary Megson who deserted the club to take up the manager's position at Stockport County and Nigel Worthington presently at Norwich City, Worthington resigned in January 2000 following a long spell of poor performance and was replaced by Ex-England International Steve McMahon. 

McMahon's arrival could not halt the Seasiders slide into the 3rd division at the end of the 1999-2000 season and they began the 2000-2001 season in the 3rd.  The players struggled to find their feet in the early part of the season and were soon languishing near the foot of the table, however a much improved performance in the second part of the season saw the side make it into the final play-off place on the last day of the season.

Once they had made it into the play-offs, McMahon's men looked a completely different side to that which had struggled earlier in the season.

They brushed Hartlepool Utd aside, winning 5-1 on aggregate over the two legs of the Semi-final with striker Brett Ormerod scoring 4 before going on to meet Leyton Orient in the final at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium.

Saturday May 26 2001 was to be the Seasiders biggest day in recent history as the Tangerine Army converged on the city of Cardiff for the Nationwide Div 3 Play-off final against Leyton Orient.

The Seasiders got off to the worst possible start going behind in under a minute as keeper Barnes lost his footing on the treacherous turf, almost half an hour had passed before club captain Ian Hughes got Pool back into the game as he headed home from a corner but as the Blackpool fans celebrated their equaliser, Orient scored again, the Seasiders however were not to be denied and just before half-time captain Brian Reid bundled the ball home to send McMahon's men in level at half-time.

The 2nd half was a different story as the Seasiders came out strong but it was with less than 15 minutes remaining that Pool's player of the Year Paul Simpson put Blackpool in front for the first time in the match, and with just two minutes of the game remaining Brett Ormerod made sure it was the Seasiders who would be heading home knowing that they would be playing in the 2nd division in the 2001-2002 season.

Season 2001-02 has been one of consolidation for Pool in Division Two with another trip to Cardiff as the seasiders were crowned LDV Trophy Winners. Two trips to the Millennium Stadium in eight months a real bonus and a day against Cambridge United which saw Blackpool cruise to a 4-1 win.

History courtesy of www.blackpoolfc.co.uk.

Luton Town v Blackpool...

A full rundown of all of the past meetings

 

 Home Matches  

Nov

29

1897

D2

W

3

1

   

Mar

25

1899

D2

W

3

2

   

Oct

8

1955

D1

W

3

1

24493

 

Jan

12

1957

D1

L

0

2

16589

 

Sep

4

1957

D1

W

2

0

19567

 

Apr

25

1959

D1

D

1

1

17720

 

Aug

26

1959

D1

L

0

1

19095

 

Apr

8

1972

D2

L

1

4

7270

 

Oct

7

1972

D2

D

2

2

12073

 

Sep

29

1973

D2

W

3

0

10365

 

Apr

24

1976

D2

W

3

0

8757

 

Dec

4

1976

D2

D

0

0

9183

 

Mar

18

1978

D2

W

4

0

6041

 

Sep

28

1996

ND2

W

1

0

5785

 

Jan

10

1998

ND2

W

3

0

5574

 

Feb

27

1999

ND2

W

1

0

4646

 

Aug

14

1999

ND2

W

3

2

5176

 

Feb

11

2003

ND2

L

1

3

6563

Report

 

 Away Matches  

Apr

30

1898

D2

L

0

1

200</