Here's why Blackpool FC can't announce ticket sales for Trinity Hospice after Jimmy Armfield's death

Blackpool FC said it won't be able to announce proceeds from last weekend's postponed match against Charlton '“ set to be donated to Trinity Hospice '“ until the fixture is replayed in March.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Jan 2018, 09:53 BST
Updated 31st Jan 2018, 10:50 BST
Wreaths are laid at the Jimmy Armfield Statue outside Bloomfield Rd, home of Blackpool FC, to honour the late Jimmy Armfield (Picture: Richard Martin-Roberts/CameraSport)Wreaths are laid at the Jimmy Armfield Statue outside Bloomfield Rd, home of Blackpool FC, to honour the late Jimmy Armfield (Picture: Richard Martin-Roberts/CameraSport)
Wreaths are laid at the Jimmy Armfield Statue outside Bloomfield Rd, home of Blackpool FC, to honour the late Jimmy Armfield (Picture: Richard Martin-Roberts/CameraSport)

In a statement, it said fans unable to attend the rearranged match, on Tuesday, March 13, are eligible for a refund, which means they won’t know how much has been raised until then.

“Previously purchased tickets for the match remain valid, though refunds can be obtained should any supporter be unable to attend the new date,” the club said.

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“Should any refunds not be sought, then the club will donate those home match ticket sales from Saturday to Trinity Hospice as previously agreed.”

The club said all proceeds from home tickets sold since last Monday, when Jimmy Armfield’s death was announced, would be given to the Bispham hospice, where Jimmy was president and cared for in his final days.

Volunteers at the ground on Saturday collected £4,855 for Trinity, while the club also sold a number of limited edition Jimmy Armfield statue badges from the club shop for £10 each.

Profits from the weekend’s match programme – a special tribute edition – is also set to be donated, while ‘Armfield 2’ T-shirts worn by the players on Saturday will also be given away to be sold off.

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Head of fundraising at Trinity, Linzi Young, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Blackpool Football Club supporters, the various fans’ groups, and also by the goodwill of the club in recent days.

“Our volunteers commented on how wonderful the fans were, both inside and outside the ground on Saturday, and we want to say a very sincere thank you to everyone who donated to the hospice in memory of our president.

“Seeing the wreath laying ceremonies, both at the Armfield statue and inside the ground, and hearing the applause, underlined just how much Jim meant to the town.

“We will be forever grateful for his support, and Saturday felt like a fitting tribute to him.

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“All the money given stays right here on the Fylde Coast, helping to fund hospice care for local people and on behalf of everyone here at Trinity, thank you.”

Jimmy died in the early hours of last Monday following a lengthy battle against cancer. He was 82.

His funeral will be held next Thursday at St Peter’s Church in South Shore. The service will be restricted, but fans have been told to gather at Bloomfield Road where his cortege will arrive at noon, before the service is broadcast over the loud-speaker system.

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