EFL: Sam Oyston appointment is a matter for the club
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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Hide AdIt also signals the “final death throes” of the club under the Oyston regime, she added.
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.
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Hide AdIn 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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Hide AdDespite 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.