Blackpool cancel pre-season friendly against Spennymoor Town

Blackpool have cancelled this weekend's pre-season friendly against Spennymoor Town.
Pool boss Simon GraysonPool boss Simon Grayson
Pool boss Simon Grayson
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The Seasiders were due to take on the National League North side on Saturday on their way back from their six-day training camp in Scotland.

The fixture was scheduled to take place at Shildon AFC's ground owning to stadium improvements taking place at Spennymoor's ground.

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However, the friendly has now been cancelled and Simon Grayson's men will have a free weekend.

The club said in a statement: "Blackpool’s friendly fixture against Spennymoor Town on Saturday has now been cancelled due to a change in the club’s pre-season schedule.

"The club would like to thank officials at Spennymoor for their understanding and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"We'd all also like to take this opportunity to wish The Moors all the very best for the new season."

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The Seasiders are now likely to play another game in Scotland.

Meanwhile Spennymoor, in a club statement, expressed their disappointment that Blackpool won't be able to take part in the fixture.

The club say they have been "scrambling" to arrange a replacement fixture at "extremely short notice", and will now travel to Tadcaster Albion.

Managing director Tony Wilson said: “Obviously we’re very disappointed for our supporters and also for Shildon, who were looking forward to hosting a Football League side at the weekend.

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“I understand Blackpool are going through a period of change, which has now unfortunately had an impact on our preparations for the season.

“Thank you to Tadcaster, who have stepped into the breach when we needed a fixture and I’m sure they’ll be as pleased as us to get our lads down there for a tough test.

“Due to the extremely short notice, we regret that we will not be able to provide a supporters’ coach for the trip. We won’t even be able to provide a team coach due to availability, so we’re making the trip in cars.

“We apologise to Shildon AFC for the uncertainty this change has caused them and assure them it is just as inconvenient for Spennymoor Town. Unfortunately, this turn of events is completely out of our control.”

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First-team manager Jason Ainsley added: “Of course we were looking forward to playing a side of Blackpool’s calibre, but we won’t let this derail our preparations for the season, which have been going well.

“The squad looks very strong and the lads are preparing diligently for the campaign ahead. We’ll take this in our stride and focus on what we can control.”

Pool get their pre-season friendlies underway tomorrow night when they take on Dundee at Dens Park (7.45pm kick off).

Pool's pre-season schedule

Tuesday, July 9 - Dundee (A)

Tuesday, July 16 - AFC Fylde (A)

Saturday, July 20 - Barrow AFC (A) & Altrincham (A)

Tuesday, July 23 - Southport (A)

Saturday, July 27 - Blackburn Rovers (H)

Sunday, July 28 - Longridge Town (A)