Ellis Simms’ snub, Wayne Rooney’s thanks and Neil Critchley’s exit: The best read Blackpool FC stories of 2022 in pictures

It’s been another eventful year for the Seasiders, but when is that ever not the case?

By Matt Scrafton

Published 25th Dec 2022, 10:00 GMT

A managerial departure, a return of a familiar face and transfer drama are the stories that have dominated The Gazette’s coverage in 2022.

With that in mind, we’ve taken a look back at the best read stories of the last 12 months.

Here they are...

Blackpool's 2022 is close to coming to an end, with only two games remaining

1. Looking back

Blackpool's 2022 is close to coming to an end, with only two games remaining Photo: CameraSport - Stephen White

At the end of July, The Gazette brought you the exclusive story that Blackpool had missed out on a deal for former loanee Ellis Simms, who had instead opted to rejoin Dan Ballard and Elliot Embleton at Sunderland. It remains The Gazette's best read story of 2022...so far.

2. Simms' snub

At the end of July, The Gazette brought you the exclusive story that Blackpool had missed out on a deal for former loanee Ellis Simms, who had instead opted to rejoin Dan Ballard and Elliot Embleton at Sunderland. It remains The Gazette's best read story of 2022...so far. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Wayne Rooney, then manager of Derby County, went out of his way to thank the Blackpool supporters after they applauded his players off the pitch following their 2-0 win at Bloomfield Road. There was a real show of unity between the two sets of supporters, who have both endured off-the-field battles in times gone by.

3. Wayne's message of thanks

Wayne Rooney, then manager of Derby County, went out of his way to thank the Blackpool supporters after they applauded his players off the pitch following their 2-0 win at Bloomfield Road. There was a real show of unity between the two sets of supporters, who have both endured off-the-field battles in times gone by. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

In April, we brought you another exclusive story...this time relating to Owen Oyston's failed bid to sue the receivers that sold Blackpool Football Club. The club's former owner brazenly claimed he was owed £86m by Paul Cooper. Unsurprisingly it was thrown out of court.

4. Yet another court defeat

In April, we brought you another exclusive story...this time relating to Owen Oyston's failed bid to sue the receivers that sold Blackpool Football Club. The club's former owner brazenly claimed he was owed £86m by Paul Cooper. Unsurprisingly it was thrown out of court. Photo: CameraSport - Alex Dodd

Everyone loves a good transfer rumour, so it was no surprise to see an extensive list of players linked with the Seasiders perform so well at the end of June. Morgan Rogers, pictured, was one of those players who didn't arrive despite the speculation. It was a busy old summer...

5. Speculation

Everyone loves a good transfer rumour, so it was no surprise to see an extensive list of players linked with the Seasiders perform so well at the end of June. Morgan Rogers, pictured, was one of those players who didn't arrive despite the speculation. It was a busy old summer... Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Vaughan

After his surprise decision to leave Bloomfield Road, Neil Critchley opted to remain largely silent and not address his reasons for joining Aston Villa as their new number two. By the time Critchley eventually broke his silence, most of us had moved on, but there was still intrigue about what he had to say.

6. Breaking his silence

After his surprise decision to leave Bloomfield Road, Neil Critchley opted to remain largely silent and not address his reasons for joining Aston Villa as their new number two. By the time Critchley eventually broke his silence, most of us had moved on, but there was still intrigue about what he had to say. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Ellis Simms Wayne Rooney Neil Critchley The Gazette