15 of the best and worst moments for Blackpool in 2021
2021 is another year that will go down in Blackpool’s history books.
By Matt Scrafton
Published 22nd Dec 2021, 10:51 BST
Updated 22nd Dec 2021, 11:03 BST
It will be most fondly remembered for yet another promotion, a record-breaking sixth triumph via the play-offs.
But that barely covers the half of it, as the Seasiders battled a global pandemic to stay afloat to not only survive, but thrive in the most unusual of times.
Here, The Gazette takes a look back at Blackpool’s best and worst moments in 2021:
Here, The Gazette takes a look back at Blackpool’s best and worst moments in 2021:
7. How’s your luck?
Ellis Simms, the hero of Blackpool’s first leg win against Oxford, suffered a cruel groin injury on the eve of the Wembley play-off final.
Blackpool sealed promotion via the play-offs for a record-breaking sixth time by beating Lincoln City 2-1 in the final, thanks to Kenny Dougall’s double. 4,000 Seasiders were there to witness it.
Barely two days after the final, Neil Critchley was put in the unenviable position of having to decide which players to keep and which players to let go. Ollie Turton and Sullay Kaikai were among those to depart.
Blackpool fans make the long trip to Ashton Gate to celebrate the club’s return to the Championship after six years away. Summer signing Shayne Lavery struck at the death to help rescue a 1-1 draw.
The Seasiders fight back from two goals down to beat Reading 3-2 in thrilling fashion at the Madejski. Owen Dale was among the scorers on his Blackpool debut.