Blackpool owner Simon Sadler completes his first year in charge of the club

Acquiring a 96.2 per cent stake in the club, Sadler’s takeover brought an end to the four-month receivership process.

This came after former owner Owen Oyston had been ousted in February 2019 following the High Court battle with former director Valeri Belokon.

It’s been an eventful first 12 months in charge for Sadler, whose sacking of Simon Grayson and subsequent appointment of Neil Critchley was followed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Christine Seddon, chair of the club’s leading fans’ group Blackpool Supporters’ Trust, says Sadler has brought “tangible progress” in his first year in charge.

She told The Gazette: “It is hard to believe that we have already reached the first anniversary of Simon Sadler becoming the owner of Blackpool FC – and what a year it has been!

“When the announcement was made, most Blackpool fans felt a mixture of joy and relief that we could finally move on from all the years of anguish and face a bright new future.

“The first year of ownership was always going to be a testing time, but no-one could have predicted Covid-19 and the effect this has had on football. What a time to buy a football club. The fact that we have an owner who has not just steadied the ship but brought tangible progress, provided security for club employees and is able to keep the club afloat during these difficult days is a huge relief.

“Many clubs are facing real uncertainty about their futures; we are very, very fortunate to have Mr Sadler at the helm of ours.

“Happy anniversary Simon, here’s to many more!”