Blackpool SLO column: Some supporters will be luckier than others once lockdown is over

That will depend on which level of the tiered restriction system clubs find themselves in post-lockdown.

The government recognises how clubs and fans alike are suffering under the current ban on supporters attending games.

The financial strain on professional football clubs who – unlike other sports – will get no support package from the Treasury is immense. The emotional strain on fans missing live sport is huge.

It looks as though clubs in tier one locations will be allowed up to 4,000 fans inside their grounds and up to 2,000 for those in tier two.

For those under tier three restrictions post-lockdown, they will have to continue behind closed doors.

Sadly, that includes Blackpool in the first instance, though there will be regular reviews of the situation.

It’s good news for some others, but clearly it creates less of a level playing field as it can be argued it hands an advantage to those clubs who will have fans in the stands.

The four weeks since my last column have proved to be hugely successful on the pitch for the Seasiders with five straight wins in three different competitions – and there could have been a sixth on Tuesday night, but it got away.

When fans are eventually allowed back inside Bloomfield Road, it will surely give greater impetus to the season.

It was made clear at the recent Structured Dialogue meeting between the Blackpool board and fans’ representatives that if fewer than 4,000 are allowed back into Bloomfield Road, priority will be given to those who didn’t attend the Swindon game.

After that the numbers will be rotated fairly until such time as all season ticket holders can return together.

It was also stated that once the quota has been raised significantly beyond 4,000, the club will start making some tickets available to non-season ticket holders on a match-by-match basis.

Presumably, for that to happen, a mass vaccination programme will have to be in full swing and whether that can take place within the balance of this season remains to be seen. Fingers crossed.

A lot of interesting and quite detailed information came out of that session, including the revelation Simon Sadler is having to bankroll Blackpool to the tune of between £4m and £6m this season on account of the financial hit from Covid-19.

There were also clear explanations of why players like Jay Spearing and Armand Gnanduillet had departed the club in the summer, the thinking that lay behind the appointment of Colin Calderwood as an additional assistant coach and the possibility another appointment will be made to liaise between the coaching staff and the board at some point when the right candidate can be found.

It was refreshing to get such clear statements of fact and intent from the board. The full minutes from that meeting are available on the club website, and if you haven’t read them, they are definitely worth your time.

It was also revealed there are plans to relocate the youth team’s games to Stanley Park in the near future, with the intention being to encourage more fans to go and watch the youth team play once Covid-19 restrictions permit.

It is all part of the ongoing project to connect the various parts of Blackpool FC more closely to the fanbase – and to encourage young footballing talent in our local schools, colleges and grassroots leagues to aspire to play for their hometown club.

The question: “How can ordinary fans do more to support our club in this difficult period?” was asked. The answer was twofold.

One is by giving your time, if you live locally, by joining the volunteer task force that does invaluable work around the ground to maintain and improve the stadium.

That activity had to be suspended for public health reasons during the latest lockdown but it will be reinstated next month.

To find out more or to volunteer, contact [email protected] – and please note that this is open to all fans, not just members of BST.

The other is by going either online or in person – when lockdown ends – to buy merchandise from the Blackpool FC shop; replica kits, training and recreational clothing, scarves, hats, Christmas presents for friends and family.

The quality and range of what is available is improving all the time, so you are encouraged to check it out.

Good luck to the team in the FA Cup at Harrogate Town tomorrow. Although it isn’t a league game, it has been made available to watch on iFollow.

Until next time, stay safe and if you wish or need to contact me for any reason with concerns, queries or suggestions, feel free to do so at [email protected] – it’s what I’m here for.

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