BST column: History says there’s no need to panic at a slow start to the season
We were musing recently about the last time our team was fast out of the traps at the start of a new season – and none of us could remember when it was.
There is no immediate cause for panic. History tells us that some of our most memorable promotion campaigns have come from very slow starts.
History also tells us that a home game this weekend with Bolton, while undeniably tough on paper, is not necessarily the worst thing we could be looking at.
We obviously don’t wish to tempt fate, but their record at Bloomfield Road over the last half-century is dreadful.
Owner Simon Sadler has funded some high-profile signings this summer and when the current crop of injuries has been overcome, we can but hope that some of the pedigree will start to show in both performances and results.
On Saturday, there will be a ceremonial unveiling of a blue plaque at the Armfield Club (1pm).
With the help of our council, we will be celebrating the efforts of the Blackpool football community in ousting the Oyston family at the end of one of the most famous fan boycotts anywhere in sporting history.
If you played a part in that campaign, this award is partly for you. John Armfield, son of Blackpool great Jimmy, will do the unveiling for us on the day.
One of the biggest changes in English football in decades was finally achieved in July, with the creation of an independent regulator for English football.
We are very proud of the fact that we were the first fan group in England to formally petition Parliament for this, way back in 2018.
Therefore, we were particularly pleased to welcome Martyn Henderson, the Shadow Regulator CEO, to a meeting with half-a-dozen Blackpool fan groups earlier this month.
Martyn’s job, in a nutshell, is to pave the way for the IFR proper, by putting in place a lot of the practical building blocks that it will need to function.
He was very engaging, giving a very helpful presentation about his team, their work, and answering a plethora of questions from fans.
Our work with the Blackpool FC Disability Supporters Association (DSA) has gathered pace over the summer.
Football grounds are not always easy places for fans with a disability to be. We need to make sure our ground and club are as welcoming and inclusive as they can be.
We are also pleased that our collaboration with Blackpool FC Community Trust is becoming increasingly significant.
Last season, we were able to donate six pairs of season tickets to BFCCT, ensuring local fans and families who might not ordinarily be able to attend games could do so.
We have been able to increase our support for the 2025/25 season with some additional help from our marvellous benefactors and our unfailingly generous members.
This season, 10 adults and 12 children will be able to attend every Blackpool home league game with our support.
There is much to do and much to celebrate as well. If you think we are worth supporting, you can become a BST member for as little as £5 per year.
Joining is easy and can be done at https://www.blackpoolsupporterstrust.com/join-us