Blackpool FC hierarchy discuss impact of Covid-19, return of fans to Bloomfield Road and potential test event during meeting with fan groups

Members of Blackpool’s FC hierarchy recently met with supporter groups to discuss a range of topics during a structured dialogue meeting.
Chief executive Ben Mansford was on hand to speak to fansChief executive Ben Mansford was on hand to speak to fans
Chief executive Ben Mansford was on hand to speak to fans
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The meeting, which was held via Zoom on Wednesday, September 2, mainly focused on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, a number of other issues, such as the salary cap and the future of match-day programmes, were also discussed.

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Chief executive Ben Mansford, director Brett Gerrity and chief commercial officer Linton Brown were on the club’s panel.

Here’s some of the key points included in the minutes that were released earlier today:

When will fans be allowed to return to grounds?

BM: Nearly 100 pages of guidance have been delivered from bodies of football/stadia safety. Club is working through those. Once green light is given from the Government, we will look to go ahead with supporters socially-distanced. A test event is likely to follow before reduced capacity (4,000) is introduced, which will be 50 per cent. No green light on this as of yet. The club is in good shape ahead of a potential test event and reduced capacity compared to some other clubs. Club is looking to get as many supporters in as possible at a social distance, with 4,000 the maximum 25 per cent capacity.

Who will be allowed into the test event?

BM confirms the club is looking into this (e.g. ballot, first 2,000 who renewed etc.) Club want to be as fair as possible. Government strongly recommends clubs do a test event prior to potential return of fans. Attendance is dependent on social bubbles, space between seats etc. EFL Trophy game against Barrow too soon to hold a test event.

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BG: 4,000 was chosen as this is the maximum amount we can have within stadium and club has worked hard to ensure as few supporters as possible are disappointed.

BM: Club in constant communication with Safety Advisory Group on Covid preparations and planning for the season. Unlikely BFC will have the room to admit away fans, but this is on a club-by-club basis. Something the club will continue to look at.

Could the club provide a season ticket swap/share system so those with STs who can’t go to a particular game can lend their seat to another to ensure no seat goes wasted?

BM: Variety of ticket swap functionality. Potential for single supporters to swap/share their season tickets. Will be difficult for this to happen if those are attending in a social bubble. Club looking at all areas of this. Social bubbles are set by Government and club will closely follow this.

LB to look into the exact definition of social bubble.

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Will season ticket holders definitely get free access to iFollow if they can’t attend a game for health reasons?

BM: EFL decision which is out of clubs hands. All depends on re-installation of article 48 allowing 3pm kick offs to be shown live.

How will the club choose who goes to games if access is restricted to less than 4,000?

BM: Club has done and will do everything we can to ensure as few disappointed as possible.

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When will season ticket holders know if they can sit in their own seats?

BM: As soon as we have the green light to do test event. Club working hard to ensure as many supporters can sit in their favoured seats. Will be difficult to keep every season ticket holder in their seat due to social distancing, but club is trying as hard as we can to get as many in stadium and in seats as possible. Club doesn’t have functionality to send tickets to people’s phones, so likely to offer print at home and send tickets via email. Club will need to utilise East Stand for home supporters to allow maximum numbers socially distanced.

Is the club prepared for the shutdown of football again should there be a second spike of the coronavirus?

BM: We can be as prepared as we can. Trying to be as sensible as we can with finances and club in good shape. Commitment to club from SS is incredible and club is in as good a place as possible.

Will the club be offering a match-day programme?

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BM: Club looking at potential of digital versions, but understands this might not be the right route given the demographic of supporters who purchase programmes.

LB: Club open to discussions with fans on what they would like to see.

Will the salary cap impact the club’s aim of becoming a stable Championship club?

BM: Salary cap came in following Bury and Bolton situations to ensure it doesn’t happen again. There should be greater regulation surrounding sustainability of ownership of clubs. EFL should and will do a lot more. The quality of coaching, recruitment and academy will be the difference for us. Neil Critchley and Ciaran Donnelly is a good sign and there are hopes we will become a sustainable Championship club. Salary caps are good and will help the club.

BG: The club is looking to take players who are on the up and will grow with us. Players we have brought in have exciting futures and that is the club’s philosophy.

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