Brett Ormerod targeted place in history: Blackpool's promotion to the Premier League 10 years on

Ten years ago, Brett Ormerod contemplated a place in the record books...

Brett Ormerod would love to end a “mindboggling” season by writing himself into the Seasiders history books.

No Blackpool player has represented the club in all four divisions.

But if the Seasiders can fulfil their dream and make it to the top flight, Ormerod would complete the set.

He played for the club in the bottom two tiers during his first spell a decade ago, and is now enjoying life at the other end of the spectrum.

“I’ve played in the FA Cup final with Southampton, but if we were to do the unthinkable and go up, it would top that, it would be the best achievement in my career,” said the striker.

“I’m trying not to think about it, only about Bristol City on Sunday, because you can let yourself get carried away.

“But it would be so good to finish my career having played and scored for Blackpool in all four divisions. I don’t think even Jimmy Armfield did that!

“So perhaps I could make a little bit of history, but we can’t think like that. We’ve got a massive game on Sunday first. But if we can get a result, then who knows?

“Whatever happens it has been a mindboggling season. We’ve played some really good stuff. The manager has been brilliant and I think the players have shown their potential.

“What we’ve done has made a hell of a lot of people sit up and take note of Blackpool.

“I have spoken to a lot of people at other clubs and they have all been really impressed with the way we’ve gone about playing football this season.”

One thing’s certain, if Ormerod does make history, his old man won’t be there to see it.

Ormerod senior is so superstitious he refuses to come to games, he listens to matches on the radio with a beer.

“A nuclear bomb wouldn’t get my dad out of his chair, but he’ll be more nervous than me on Sunday,” said Ormerod.

“I’m superstitious and I know where I get it from. My dad is the most superstitious person I’ve ever met. He’ll probably dig out the same clothes he wore in 2001, when we won the play-offs.

“When I was a kid he travelled everywhere with me, but when I started playing in front of crowds it took its toll.

“He has found a thing that works for him, sitting in the front room with the radio. If my brother, my mum or even the dog makes a noise they are shushed.

“Even my kids walk around on tiptoes at his house on a Saturday. It has worked for us both, so I am not complaining.”

Like every Blackpool player, Ormerod was blown away by the support at Peterborough last weekend.

And he says the same backing on Sunday is crucial.

“The fans were unbelievable last week, before the game, all the way through and afterwards too. That is going to be a big thing for us. It’s a sellout and we need every fan,” he added.

“But they’ve been in this position before and they are as experienced as some of our players about going through the play-offs.

“ They know the heartache of it as well as the success so I’m sure they’ll play their part, as will the players and the manager.

“Hopefully we’ll achieve what we all want.”