BST column: Easter Monday defeat was a disappointment but let’s make Bloomfield Road bounce
This column was written the day after defeat at Stevenage as, following the win against Exeter, we could hear the Great Escape theme and see Steve McQueen jumping over the fence on his bike.
Thinking back, he didn’t make the second fence – and that was our Stevenage!
How a Bank Holiday weekend can start so well and finish so badly should never surprise a Seasider.
However, we must remember we have won three and drawn one of the last five, which is the best in the lower half of the division over those games.
If we can win two of the last four, we will probably be OK – fingers crossed.
The Homecoming anniversary was a fantastic day, with a sold-out Bloomfield Road and a loud, bouncing North Stand as well as other parts of the ground.
We were the 12th man and the hysteria when CJ (Hamilton) hit the back of the net in injury time was bonkers.
Good Friday was great as well: a packed Bloomfield Road, the crowd in full voice and a team having a right go at the opposition, playing attacking football.
We desperately need this again on Saturday, so BST asks all fans to get to Bloomfield Road, make it bounce, make it hostile and let’s see the team again going for it and playing attacking football.
In other news, Blackpool’s accounts came out with the wage bill for the 24/25 season at £9.95m, which is higher than the club’s annual turnover of £8.8m, while directors’ remuneration has risen to £190k.
Then what we see gets worse. BFC appears to owe Simon (Sadler, owner) around £25m, which is a huge amount for a club our size.
We have no doubt of Simon’s positive intentions for the club. His behaviour shows that, with the constant funding he provides.
However, it is obvious football needs to change and wages need to be brought under control as it is simply not sustainable in the medium to long term.
Everyone knows the wage bill has jumped this year, so we fear what will appear in the next set of accounts due in March 2027.
The accounts then talk about the Hong Kong court case in May and state that whatever the outcome, money is in place to keep the club going – which is something very important at least – but hopefully it does not come to this.
Put simply, it is a very worrying time for all Seasiders both on and off the pitch.
BST continues to support the mascot initiative through our generous subscribers to our sweepstake, which you can join at https://www.blackpoolsupporterstrust.com/1953-sweepstake
Look out for the April edition of the BST Round-Up as we will be showcasing this season’s mascots and sharing the difference the day made to them. It is actually quite humbling to read.
Remember, all BST members can nominate kids to go in the draw to be a mascot.
If you have a child or know one that wants to be a mascot, make sure you’re a BST member and watch out for the email asking for nominations.
Finally, BST would like to say a huge well done to Blackpool’s U18s who won the Lancashire FA Professional Youth Cup final against Bolton Wanderers.
See you on Saturday and UTMP always.