EFL: Sam Oyston appointment is a matter for the club

The EFL has brushed off the fans' backlash to Blackpool's appointment of Sam Oyston as their new chief executive saying it is a matter for the club.
Sam Oyston pictured with his grandfather OwenSam Oyston pictured with his grandfather Owen
Sam Oyston pictured with his grandfather Owen

Yesterday’s news was received with incredulity by Blackpool fans, who are desperate to see the Oystons sell the club and leave.

Christine Seddon, chairman of the Blackpool Supporters’ Trust, branded the appointment as “outrageous” and slammed the club for being in “disarray”.

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It also signals the “final death throes” of the club under the Oyston regime, she added.

Sam pictured by a friend in 2014. Image courtesy of Tangerine Knights.Sam pictured by a friend in 2014. Image courtesy of Tangerine Knights.
Sam pictured by a friend in 2014. Image courtesy of Tangerine Knights.
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Blackpool FC appoint Sam Oyston as new chief executive

Last year Karl Oyston admitted under oath in court that his son, who runs Blackpool FC Hotel, has “no authority” and can’t make a move without his say-so.

But now, Sam has been given the responsibility of the day-to-day running of the football club following the departure of Alex Cowdy on Saturday.

Seddon argued the appointment brought the game into disrepute and called on the EFL to act.

Sam pictured by a friend in 2014. Image courtesy of Tangerine Knights.Sam pictured by a friend in 2014. Image courtesy of Tangerine Knights.
Sam pictured by a friend in 2014. Image courtesy of Tangerine Knights.
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In response, an EFL spokesman said: “We are aware of the comments from Blackpool Supporters’ Trust in relation to the recent appointment of a new chief executive.

“The appointment is a matter for the club and not the EFL.

“We will offer Sam all the support that he requires, as we do with all new employees at our clubs.

“The club continue to keep the EFL appraised of all the matters that are relevant to our regulations.”

Sam has been heavily involved in the recent redundancies at the club, having been given the responsibility of sending out letters to staff affected and holding meetings.

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Despite being diagnosed with a long-term illness last year, The Gazette has been told his health will not affect any of his duties.

In June the club issued a statement regarding Sam’s illness through Belokon, who at the time was involved in a bitter court case with the Oystons.

Like his father Karl, Sam has had a long-running history of controversies.

In 2014, he was pictured lying in a bed surrounded by £20 notes with a friend’s caption reading: “That’s where the £100m goes every night #freshsheets #oystonout”

Another picture saw him pictured with a ripped up £20 note in front of him.