How former Blackpool boss was able to both 'frighten' and 'inspire' his team on way to success

Ex-Blackpool boss Billy Ayre was never afraid of making his feelings clear - with his love of the club proving to be an inspiration for his players.

The former Southport and Halifax Town figure will always be fondly remembered for his time at Bloomfield Road.

Throughout a four-year stint with the Seasiders, he guided the club to its first play-off success, with a penalty shootout win against Scunthorpe United at Wembley securing promotion to Division Three.

Tony Rodwell was among the players involved that day, having joined the club from Colne Dynamoes in 1990.

The 63-year-old enjoyed a strong relationship with Ayre, who died back in 2002, but admits it was always smooth sailing.

“When I signed it was Graham Carr, who was a good man-manager, but was just a bit out of his depth,” he said.

“Billy was more of a strong personality, and when he gave you a funny look, it’d frighten you, but also inspire you.

“I became quite close friends with him. I didn’t live far away, so I used to travel with him to away games to get the coach. I had some fun journeys and not so fun journeys.

“We played Swansea away once, and got beat 3-0. We ordered our food after, and it got brought on the coach, and he said - ‘no food.’

“We didn’t get anything, and no one said a word on the way back to Charnock Richard.

“His wife came to pick us up with his children, and she was dead nice. I said ‘hello’ to her, but once we got in the car, we didn’t say a word for the next 30 minutes, but then the next day at training he was fine.

“He really took it to heart, even when his family was there, he was Blackpool through-and-through.

“He’d tell you straight if you were rubbish. He didn’t really shout, it was just the way he looked at you, and it inspired people. The fans could see he loved it. He’d do anything for you, and we would try that bit harder for him.”