UPDATED: Karl Oyston leaves director's role at family business

Blackpool FC chairman Karl Oyston has left his role as director at one of the family's companies, fueling rumours or a rift with his father Owen.
Rumours have circulated that relations have broken down with Owen, left, and his son KarlRumours have circulated that relations have broken down with Owen, left, and his son Karl
Rumours have circulated that relations have broken down with Owen, left, and his son Karl

In the filing history of Closelink Ltd on Companies House, Karl is no longer listed as a director. Terry Prosser has also left a similar position.

Owen Oyston is named as a company director of the real estate firm, a role he has held since 2002. He owns 50 per cent of the business.

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Since 2011, Karl has been named among the company’s directors but his name has now been removed from the list. It is not clear whether he was removed or resigned.

The company's address is listed as Bloomfield Road.

It follows rumours that Owen and Karl are said to be at loggerheads over the future direction of Blackpool Football Club.

It is understood relations have completely broken down between the two, with Owen wanting to keep control of the club while Karl is reportedly prepared to wash his hands of it.

The Gazette understands Owen Oyston was completely unaware of the decision to remove Alex Cowdy as the club's chief executive.

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Karl’s son Sam has since been appointed to the role of CEO, much to the dismay of Blackpool’s fanbase.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 for the day-to-day running of the football club following the sudden departure of Cowdy.

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 took the unusual step of issuing a statement regarding Sam’s illness through Valeri Belokon, who at the time was involved in a bitter court case with the Oystons.

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Sam’s appointment comes after Alex Cowdy was removed from the role of chief executive last weekend.

His departure was announced on the club's website less than an hour after the team had drawn 0-0 with Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The club confirmed he would leave his role with "immediate effect".

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