“Let’s be optimistic about what we’ve done”: Blackpool shirt sponsor is not daunted by League One next season

Blackpool’s principal home shirt sponsor is optimistic about the year ahead after renewing his deal with the club.

It was announced last week that TreadTracker’s sponsorship agreement with the Seasiders would continue into a third season.

That extension was confirmed five months after company founder Steve Richardson funded free coaches for Blackpool fans to attend the FA Cup round three tie at Ipswich Town.

The 2026/27 campaign sees Blackpool looking to continue the momentum generated by seven wins and a draw in their last nine League One games this time around.

Speaking to Blackpool’s website, Richardson said: “Who’d have thought that a lad that started here in the 60s would sponsor his own team? Absolutely amazing.

“Obviously there were some precarious moments during the season but that’s football and that’s the same in business.

“You’ve just got to ride the highs and ride the lows, and just enjoy it, but it’s been great.

“Let’s be optimistic about what we’ve done. If you look at the way we’ve finished the campaign - last nine games, seven wins, one draw, one defeat - you’ve got to be optimistic haven’t you?”

Next season sees a couple of big names dropping down to League One with Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday seeking an immediate return to the Championship.

They are two of nine former Premier League teams in the division - including the Seasiders - though Richardson doesn’t feel the need to be daunted.

He added: “We’ve had that through our duration in League One with Birmingham, Wrexham and other sides that have spent big.

“That doesn’t always guarantee you success. I’m optimistic that we’ll do exceptionally well with the squad that we’ve got.

“What Ian Evatt (Blackpool head coach) and the team are doing there, you can see the trajectory is positive.”