Blackpool fans' group hopes for strength in numbers

It had been hoped that regime change would have been achieved before the dawn of the new League One campaign, which for Blackpool begins at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

However, Owen Oyston remains in charge despite the £25m debt he still owes to Valeri Belokon, and any potential change in ownership doesn’t appear to be happening any time soon.

As a result, Blackpool Supporters’ Trust has suggested fans join together prior to the game against Portsmouth at Bloomfield Road on Saturday, August 11.

A spokesperson said: “The new football season is almost upon us.

“It seems unlikely that regime change will have happened when that first game kicks off.

“Blackpool Supporters’ Trust will continue to make a stand outside the main entrance before every home game until such time as our club is Oyston-free and we are able to return to our footballing home.

“Now, more than ever, we as fans need to make sure that Mr Oyston – and any potential buyer – understands the majority of us will not return until the Oystons have left the club completely.

“Recent images of Owen associating with the likes of Jonathan Disley serve only to remind us that he does not have the club’s best interests at heart and that he is in effect holding Blackpool FC to ransom as his personal plaything.

“The Trust would like to encourage all supporters to come and stand with us before the first home game of the season.

“Portsmouth have had many problems of their own and have always been very supportive of the actions taken by Blackpool fans.

“They will show their solidarity with us once again.

“We are not proposing a protest march but believe that a strong presence outside the ground, with banners, placards, flags of defiance, will send the strongest message to Mr Oyston and to the watching media that Blackpool fans have not gone away and that we are prepared to make a stand to regain and rebuild our football club for the community, as the pride of Blackpool, however long it may take.”