Blackpool FC has key role at heart of community says chief executive Ben Mansford

Their team-mates Teddy Howe and Marc Bola have played FIFA 20 with fans, while Matty Virtue and Ben Heneghan have demonstrated exercise routines supporters can undertake at home.

Other initiatives are planned, while the club is also looking into the possibility of allowing the NHS to use the vacant Blackpool FC Hotel. During such unprecedented times, Mansford says it’s important the football club helps in any way it can.“We believe we should be at the centre of the community and at times like this it’s important we play our part,” the club’s chief executive said.

“It is challenging for us, but Simon Sadler bought this football club and is incredibly committed to this football club because he wanted to put back into his hometown.

“Teddy Howe played FIFA the other night against a fan and managed to come up with an 88th-minute winner, and some of our players are ringing fans who appreciate that call.

“We’ve spoken to the NHS, who are fantastic tenants of ours, and we’re going to bring a mobile blood-testing unit down.

“That’s not part of the (fight against) coronavirus but hopefully it will relieve some pressure on the hospital facilities so they can be left for coronavirus patients.

“Through the community hub, we’re going to have a drop-off point at the club where volunteers from the BFC Community Trust will deliver parcels.

“We have registered Blackpool FC Hotel to maybe support the NHS with beds and facilities.

“It’s too early to say what we might be able to do about that, and we’ll get into the health and safety aspects if we go there.

“We’re also going to start taking a note of every supporter’s birthday that is coming up.

“Birthday parties are taken for granted and they can’t happen any more, but fans can get a phone call from their favourite player wishing them a happy birthday.

“We’re trying to do as much as we can. Even though Simon has a lot on with his day job, he’s pushing me and the staff to ask what else we can do.

“If supporters have any other ideas for things we can be doing to help, then please get in touch and let us know.

“We’re very keen to do everything we possibly can to help our local community at what is a very challenging time.”