Blackpool chief executive Alex Cowdy's column

The geographical make-up of Sky Bet League Two means plenty of time will be spent on the road this season, which was highlighted by consecutive trips to Yeovil and Colchester last month.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Oct 2016, 19:07 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 16:50 BST
Alex CowdyAlex Cowdy
Alex Cowdy

Those were two of 18 overnight hotel stays planned as we look to ensure the best possible preparation.

While we would like more points on the board, the manager’s intent to play attractive, attacking football bodes well for the coming months, with the club having had the most shots on goal in League Two.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Prior to the Crewe game, I arranged with the manager for Sergeant Rick Clement to give a motivational talk to the players. While serving in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Rick lost both legs and suffered massive internal injuries in May 2010 when he stepped on an explosive device in Afghanistan.

He works tirelessly to raise money for military charities and refuses to let his injuries hold him back. His attitude to overcoming adversity is incredible and I know all the coaching staff and players appreciated the time with him.

I’ve already had an eye on next season when it comes to first-team kit and training wear. The club has now entered into the final season of its two-year contract extension with Errea, so talks with the Italian sportswear provider and other potential kit manufacturers for 2017/18 are already under way.

I also had several productive meetings with global service providers at the latest Soccerex convention in Manchester. More than 3,000 delegates, 700 rights-holding organisations and 450 clubs attended over three days to network and offer insight into the changing game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Founded by Duncan Revie, who sadly passed away that week, Soccerex was established in 1995 to connect football clubs and businesses and now attracts people from more than 80 countries.

EFL clubs recently met at Walsall to discuss the Whole Game Solution proposals. They involve the creation of a fourth EFL division, League Three, to help ease an overcrowded fixture list, improve club revenues and the format of EFL competitions. Regionalisation, the number of teams per division and where additional teams will come from are still being considered. Clubs ruled out Premier League B teams.

Related topics:League TwoBlackpool