Blackpool FC confirm itinerary for Jimmy Armfield tributes

At the request of the Armfield family, who will be in attendance for the fixture at Bloomfield Road, a minute's applause will be held to remember Jimmy prior to kick-off.

The two teams will emerge from the tunnel five minutes earlier than normal, with the Blackpool players wearing specially printed 'Armfield 2' t-shirts.

Once the teams enter the field of play, a delegation, to include managers Gary Bowyer and Karl Robinson, will lay wreaths in front of the Armfield Stand.

Reverend Michael Ward, a close friend of the Armfield family, will then read a memorial prayer, to be followed by a speech from PA announcer Tony Parr. The minute's applause will then commence prior to the game getting underway.

Itinerary (approximate times):

2.40pm - Three of Jimmy Armfield's favourite songs to be played

2.48pm - Former Blackpool players to form a guard of honour

2.50pm - Teams to emerge from the tunnel

2.52pm - Delegation to lay wreaths in front of the Armfield Stand

2.55pm - A Memorial Prayer from Rev. Michael Ward

2.57pm - A speech about Jimmy and his career by Tony Parr

2.59pm - A minute's applause

Volunteers from Trinity Hospice will be holding bucket collections in and around the stadium, with revenue from home ticket sales also being donated to the Hospice.

The Armfield t-shirts will also be donated to Trinity Hospice in the aftermath of the game to be utilised for fundraising purposes.

Blackpool Supporters' Trust are to pay their own tribute at Armfield's statue outside the ground at 2.30pm by holding a minute's applause and laying a wreath.

Since the tragic news, many have called for Blackpool supporters to put aside the club politics and pack out Bloomfield Road this Saturday to pay tribute to the club's greatest ever son.

Manager Gary Bowyer even called for the fans to "put everything to the side" and fill the ground to pay tribute to the great man.

But others insist that, with the Oystons still in charge, their only option is to pay their respects at Armfield's statue outside.

The Trust says it is a matter of "individual conscience" and whatever decision people make, they should be respected.