Leading councillor pledges to attend Blackpool fans' protest

Blackpool Supporters’ Trust (BST) issued a personal invitation to Councillor Tony Williams to attend Saturday’s event, which will be held prior to the club’s first home game of the season against Portsmouth.

The Trust is encouraging fellow fans to join them and members from Muckers Supporters’ Group outside the West Stand at Bloomfield Road for a show of solidarity.

It had been hoped that regime change would have been achieved before the start of the new season, which for Blackpool got underway with a 0-0 draw at Wycombe Wanderers last weekend.

But, in the wake of Gary Bowyer’s shock resignation, supporters have reiterated their commitment to the ethical boycott ahead of the club’s first home fixture.

Coun Tony Williams has been a regular supporter of fans’ calls for regime change at the football club, and he has confirmed to The Gazette he will be in attendance on Saturday.

He said: “With the shock resignation by the manager, the recent court cases, different comments regarding possible new deals etc, the start of a new season and still the club is in chaos.

“It’s blatantly clear that there has to be a complete change at Bloomfield Road.

“I have no personal argument with Owen Oyston but he must now realise that for the sake of the future of the club his position is untenable.

“Blackpool FC has a long history of nurturing the start of some of the UK’s most talented player’s careers and I feel so sorry for the team who are playing to almost empty stands at home games and now without a boss.

“The fans have been solid and almost unanimous in their call for change so I am happy to join them - as a resident not a politician - in what I hope will be a peaceful protest that can help restore unity with the families in Blackpool and one of the town’s most important assets.”

BST also issued an invitation to leader of the council Simon Blackburn but have received no response.