Ben Burgess: Club needs even more help than our libraries

As my children and I listened intently to the organiser who passionately addressed the waiting crowd, I couldn’t help but think of a similar situation to this.

The talk was all about how important the library was to the local people.

How it was more than just a place to find books.

It was a focal point for the community.

How people would not just stand by and let it be closed for good.

As important as libraries are to a range of people, surely the demise of one of the oldest and most famous football clubs needs even more help.

A place where families and friends meet and socialise together.

A place where passion and excitement entertains the fans.

A place that was more than just a football club.

A place that could inspire a whole town.

A place that could inspire a generation of young boys and girls.

At the moment sadly Blackpool Football Club is doing none of the above and it was interesting to see that all four of Blackpool’s fan groups have declined the club’s invitation to meet.

This sort of unity and statement emanating from the supporters will hopefully lead to some positive talks with the club in the future (maybe).

Saturday’s game saw the inevitable dull and drab affair at Bloomfield Road that was decided by Kyel Reid who was one of five ex-Seasiders in Bradford’s squad.

Of those five players, Billy Clarke is the most fondly remembered.

Billy was a great player for Blackpool and played a vital role both on and off the pitch in those oh so distant good times.

Unfortunately though it was another home game without a goal for Blackpool, which is worrying and once again showed where the Tangerine’s weakness is when playing at Bloomfield Road.

Away from home against Chesterfield on Tuesday, the Tangerines were far more positive and were actually unlucky not to gain the three points, especially after hitting the woodwork numerous times.

I say this every week, but I still believe Blackpool have a good enough team to avoid relegation despite now finding themselves in the bottom four.

Blackburn Rovers were on a similar slide down the table a few weeks ago and their manager Paul Lambert came out and made no excuses.

He said that he’d told his players in no uncertain terms ‘that they need to look over their shoulders because they’re in a big battle to stay up.’

He didn’t say ‘we are just unlucky’.

He told the players the truth.

Since then Rovers have won their last three home games and now sit in a much comfier position in the league.

On the subject of honesty, Cristiano Ronaldo had a few words of his own this week after Real Madrid’s disappointing home defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid.

He boldly stated that “If we were all at my level, maybe we would be leaders.”

He may have a point, but if he played with the same selfless style and appreciation of his team-mates that the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez do at the 
Bernabeau, then he may be even more successful.

As hostile as the Bernabeau and the Nou Camp are, Millwall’s New Den is something all on its own.

Their fans are notorious for creating a warm welcome to away teams and it’s just another factor Neil McDonald’s men will have to deal with if they are to pull away from trouble and avoid a devastating relegation to the 
basement of the football league.

On a positive note, Blackpool are best when there backs against the wall and expectation is low.