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Oyston's plea to fill new stand
ON THE day chairman Karl Oyston announced the long-awaited opening date for the Armfield Stand, the Blackpool chairman stressed the vital need for supporters to fill it and the rest of the ground.
Oyston says at least 10,000 home fans must attend every match at Bloomfield Road if the Seasiders are to stand any chance of being "a big club and moving forward".
The stand will open for the home clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday week, when club legend Jimmy Armfield will be guest of honour, alongside owner Owen Oyston and president Valery Belokon – the two who have put up most of the money for the 8.5m structure.
But with the capacity set to rise above 13,000, the club must encourage more people through the turnstiles.
"We want more home support," said Oyston. "We want to fill all three stands and the two corners with home supporters. It's sad to say that recently we've not been in a position of needing the (extra) seats, so it's clear we need to remain committed to trying to grow the support base.
"That is one of the main determining factors on the squad budget, and it would be unfortunate if the fantastic work the manager and players have done couldn't be built on because of constraints.
"The bottom line is that if we have any aspirations whatsoever to be a big club and move forward, we have to be averaging 10-11,000 home fans every week. That's the aim."
Work started on the stand in July 2008 and there was talk of it opening for the visit of Newcastle United six months ago.
The club has extended its 'March Madness' ticket offer and will announce further incentives for the next two home matches.
FOR MORE FROM KARL OYSTON SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE.
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Weather for Blackpool
Thursday 24 May 2012
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