Ten-year anniversary of Blackpool's promotion to the Premier League: Karl Oyston lays down challenge to fans as Jimmy Armfield speaks of pride at new stand

Over the coming weeks, The Gazette’s football writer Matt Scrafton will be dipping into the archives to bring you our reports from a decade ago on Blackpool’s remarkable journey to the promised land.

On this day 10 years ago, this is the story we told on our back page: “Oyston’s challenge to Pool fans: We’ve built it – if you really want to go places then FILL IT!”

Karl Oyston sent a rallying cry to the people of Blackpool: “Support us so we can really start going places.”

The Seasiders chief has often been criticised for a perceived lack of ambition.

But following the grand opening of the £8.5m Jimmy Armfield stand, the chairman believes there is a golden opportunity for the club to kick on ... as long as they get enough people through the turnstiles.

“We need more fans to come and support us if we are to continue to make progress, it’s as simple as that,” Oyston said.

“We remain committed to continuing to try to grow the support base because that is one of the main determining factors on the squad budget.

“We’ve come a long way in the last few years and this season has been particularly fantastic.

“So it would be unfortunate if the fantastic work the managers and the players have done couldn’t be built on because of constraints.”

Oyston believes Pool must attract 11,000 people through the turnstiles on a regular basis if the club is to flourish and become a Championship force to be reckoned with.

Asked how the Seasiders could coax more fans in, the chairman replied: “It will be by a combination of our existing supporters spreading the word and the people of the Fylde coast buying into what we are trying to do.

“We have been working hard to go out into the community and schools and telling children that we’re a worthwhile cause and use of their money.

“Times are difficult, money is tight and there are a lot of things to do.

“But we firmly believe that the type of football we are playing and the plans we have in place, and with the resources we now have, that it certainly wouldn’t be an investment that people would regret.

“The take up of the recent March Madness offer has been fantastic and it shows what we can do with some imaginative marketing offers.

“We’ve also of course got to be mindful that the lifeblood of our club are the people that commit ahead of the season and have been with us all the way, the season ticket holders.

“We can’t dilute their commitment by giving too many offers, but we hope they understand the need for us to really grow the support base.”

Oyston was speaking prior to the official opening of the new Armfield Stand, which took place before the Seasiders came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace.

The new stand was opened by the 74-year-old, who dedicated his entire playing career to Blackpool.

“I have been really looking forward to it, but then again we all have the supporters and the players,” Armfield said.

“I am very proud.

“When they first told me they were going to put my name on the stand I thought it would be in very small letters on the top, or maybe even outside the ground.

“I didn’t expect it to be like it is. It means everybody will be able to sit on me now!

“I feel very proud and honoured to be recognised by the only club I played for and a place which means so much to me.

“It will change the atmosphere in the ground and the ambition must now be to do the east and move on further.”

His name was sung from the terraces, now it is being chanted from his own stand.

Seasiders’ great Jimmy Armfield was all smiles as he was given the honour of opening Blackpool FC’s new South Stand, the Armfield Stand.

The 74-year-old former Seasiders and England captain unveiled a plaque at a special ceremony before Saturday’s highly-charged Championship clash with Crystal Palace.

Armfield, who was visibly moved, said it was a special day for him and his family.

“It’s quite emotional,” he said. “It seems a long time since I started to play for Blackpool back in the 1950s.

“There’s been a lot of great lads playing for the Tangerines before and since then.

“I’d like to thank the club for this honour.”

As the Bloomfield Road hero, known affectionately by fans as “Sir Jimmy”, cut the ribbon on the turnstiles, supporters standing outside spontaneously began chanting “there’s only one Jimmy Armfield.”

Club owner Owen Oyston said the day would not have happened had it not been for the support of Latvian president Valeri Belokon.

Oyston said: “It’s an exciting time. Jimmy Armfield is a giant among men, not just for what he has done for the football club, but for the town.

“It’s a privilege to name a great stand after a great man.”

The day itself was in danger of not going to script as the Seasiders fell two goals down by half-time.

But a rousing second half comeback, and Ben Burgess’ last-minute equaliser, ensured high drama on a memorable day.

Fan Robert Burdon, 30, from Thornton, said: “Today means everything. It’s been a long time coming and it’s really important for the club.

“The seats are nicer and it definitely looks impressive. It’s right to honour Jimmy Armfield as he’s a legend.”

Andy Monkman, 40, from Layton, said: “The stand is here at long last and hopefully we will get the rest of the stadium finished soon.

“It’s a big day for the club and it’s special for Jimmy Armfield. He really deserves the honour.”

Former St Annes resident Nigel Auty, 44, had travelled from Wiltshire, especially to see the new stand.

He said: “I used to sit in the old South Stand. It’s great to honour Jimmy Armfield because he has done so much for the club.”