| Simon Sadler 17:51 - Jun 9 with 7277 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Think it needs its own thread now......
Simon Sadler - the Hong Kong-based businessman thought to be the frontrunner to take over Blackpool Football Club - has set up two new UK-based companies relating to sports.
Rose 123 Investments and Lily 123 Investments were both incorporated on May 29, 2019, according to Companies House.
Both are registered to an address in Altrincham, Cheshire, while a man named Brett Gerrity - thought to be a solicitor - is listed as an interested person in both companies.
Under the nature of business, Rose 123 Investments is described as “activities of sports clubs” while Lily 123 Investments is described as “operations of sports facilities and hotels”.
Sadler, who was born in Bispham and attended Warbreck High, founded Hong Kong-based hedge fund Segantii Capital. It is claimed the hedge fund’s assets are in excess of $1billion.
Sadler, who attended the home game against Peterborough United in April, is thought to be keen to keep current board members Ben Hatton and Michael Bolingbroke at the club.
Receiver Paul Cooper, of Rubin and Partners, told The Gazette on first arriving at Bloomfield Road in February that the entire sale process would likely take three to four months.
It’s understood mid-June is the target the club are working towards, meaning news could be forthcoming in the next week or two.
Sadler was featured in an old article in The Gazette on May 22, 2010 - the day the Seasiders sealed their remarkable promotion to the Premier League with a 3-2 win over Cardiff City in the Championship play-off final.
It included an interview with Sadler, then aged 40, previewing that famous day at Wembley.
The story reads: “Did you know there was a hedge fund on the stock market in Asia named after Blackpool? You do now.
“And the man who operates it is a Seasider who has flown back to the UK to watch the big game.
“Bispham-born Simon Sadler, a former Warbreck High pupil, was a regular in the old West Paddock throughout the 80s, watching the likes of Eamonn O’Keefe and Paul Stewart, as well as his all time favourite Oooh Andy Garner.
“Trips to Bloomfield Road became a bit of a problem though as his banking career flourished and he moved to Moscow and then Hong Kong.
“The 40-year-old operates a hedge fund which is the fifth largest in Asia - Segantii Capital — named after the original tribe of Blackpool and which has a tangerine and white corporate colour.”
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/hong-kong-based-b
and here's the link to Companies House
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/12022758 | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 21:16 - Jul 1 with 905 views | spell_chekker |
New Owner Meets Supporters
Simon Sadler Engages With Supporters At Forum
New owner Simon Sadler met around 80 Blackpool supporters at a Fans' Forum held in Rowley's this evening.
Joined by Executive Chairman Michael Bolingbroke, Managing Director Ben Hatton and Director and fellow Blackpool fan Brett Gerrity, he answered numerous questions about his plans for the club moving forward.
Non-Executive Director Ian Currie and Advisor to the Board, Tim Fielding, were also in attendance.
Introduction:
Executive Chairman Michael Bolingbroke welcomes the supporters in attendance and mentions the previous forum held in March, when the interim board discussed what an ideal owner for the club would look like. He stresses that the hunt was on for a unicorn that would be a fan, invest in the stadium, training ground, academy and have a long-term vision for the club. That unicorn has now been found in Simon Sadler.
Simon follows Michael's introduction by talking a little about his back story. He tells the supporters that he has been overwhelmed by becoming the owner and that he has a responsibility to look after the club for everybody. He thanks all those in attendance and insists that he's happy to field questions.
Before those questions begin, new Director Brett Gerrity also mentions his background as a supporter and tells the room that there is an exciting journey ahead and that Simon is the dream owner.
The Vision:
Simon is asked about his five-year vision for the club and he answers with his hopes of being a solid Championship club with new training facilities and an academy with players coming through.
Ideally, Simon would like to be in The Championship in two years and would be gutted if that didn't happen in three. He also stresses the need for an element of patience in the longer-term projects.
Millions of pounds required to spend on stadium and training ground.
Main Priority:
Simon reveals that his main priority is the development of a new training facility. That is the big one from a capital expenditure point of view. The club can't be at Squires Gate long-term and ideally he'd like the new training ground to be central with access for the community. He adds that he is due to speak to Blackpool Council this week. The current relationship with the Council is boosted by the recent sponsorship deal. Important that the club gets back links at all levels.
A new sponsorship deal is also due to be announced for the Family Stand.
The Current Squad:
After being asked about recruitment of players and how short the squad currently is, Simon reveals that an announcement is due in the coming days about a new winger that has signed for the club and that there is a feeling that three or four more quality players are required.
He also adds that the club is hopeful of appointing an assistant manager this week.
Development Squad:
Michael Bolingbroke says that the club should own its own facilities and house all teams together. The Youth Academy is based at Myerscough, for instance. A link is also needed between first-team and youth team level for players to develop, as well as return from injury.
Modern Club:
Simon's vision is also for the club to be modern and progressive. A Director of Football will be brought in to help drive the club and academy.
Valeri Belokon:
Having been asked about Valeri Belokon, Simon says he has had no contact with Valeri but that he was an important part in the history of BFC and that the club may not have reached the Premier League if it wasn't for him. At the same time, he mentions that chapter now being a part of the club's history. Simon wants to build for the future as the sole owner.
The Board:
Simon congratulates the receiver on doing such a fantastic job in appointing Michael and Ben on the current board, especially given their wealth of experience at the very top of football.
Michael reveals that Ben and himself have currently agreed to stay on until the end of September/early October and then Simon will make a decision on things moving forward. Both Michael and Ben love being part of the club.
The Takeover:
Simon reveals that more than 100 hours was spent in the data room, plus hundreds of hours more in due diligence. A large amount of investment is required at the club and he's happy to step up and do it.
The power of the club really hit home when he saw clips and photos from the homecoming game against Southend United and after having dinner with friends in Hong Kong, he decided to explore the opportunity of owning Blackpool. He's now honoured to have the opportunity of doing so.
Crowds:
Michael Bolingbroke says that the club must reintroduce people to coming to the football again and re-establish watching the team. Club would like crowds of at least 10,000 on a Saturday and 7-8,000 on a midweek night match.
Simon adds that the club is about fans and that the club must put together an experience and product that gets people in.
When asked about the East Stand, he says that the club must fill the rest of the ground before that is looked at long-term. But it would be nice to do.
Safe Standing:
Simon insists that he will explore safe standing in more detail and that he knows it is something that fans are passionate about.
Fan Zone:
This is also worth exploring.
Other Stadium Events:
Michael Bolingbroke reveals that there is only a short window for any other stadium events to take place if the pitch is to be in top condition. Simon adds that it would be great to see a mini-festival and that he is open to options that increase revenue for the club.
Stadium Maintenance:
Simon acknowledges that work must be done at Bloomfield Road. A survey he had done highlighted that millions of pounds of work was required. There will be a schedule of improvement.
Hong Kong:
Simon admits that he will still be based in Hong Kong, however he has pencilled in 25 matches to attend this season, including the first match of the campaign. Making money in Hong Kong will allow him to make the necessary investment required at the club.
He also adds that Blackpool is reasonably well-known in Hong Kong, especially from Cheung Chi-Doy's time with the club in the 1960s.
Facilities for Disabled Supporters:
When asked about this, Ben Hatton reveals that Level Playing Field has recently done an audit and made some suggestions. The club welcomes the feedback and will be looking to implement some of those things.
New SLO:
Steve Rowland, who is the new club SLO, will help facilitate better dialogue between supporters, supporter groups and the club. Brett Gerrity will also look to be involved in helping this. | |
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| Simon Sadler on 21:32 - Jul 1 with 900 views | spell_chekker |
A good summary of the meeting out on the club's website in double quick time.  | |
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| Simon Sadler on 22:27 - Jul 1 with 886 views | todayistheday |
Very impressed. What more could fans of asked for.👠| | | |
| Simon Sadler on 16:10 - Jul 2 with 863 views | spell_chekker |
This was a great thread Red, thanks for taking the trouble to find and resurrect it.
I really enjoyed it. | |
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| Simon Sadler on 22:22 - Jul 2 with 836 views | Lala |
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| Simon Sadler on 22:24 - Jul 2 with 835 views | ROTTWEILERS |
Where's that? | |
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| Simon Sadler on 22:35 - Jul 2 with 829 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Longridge apparently. I'd no idea either. | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 07:21 - Jul 3 with 821 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Simon Sadler is keen to move on from Blackpool’s chequered past and usher in a new era for the football club.
The 49-year-old was unveiled as the club’s new owner on Monday and spoke in depth to a number of media outlets.
All of those conversations had one thing in common — there was no mention of the Oyston family as Sadler regularly stressed the need to look forward, not back.
"Clearly it’s important to move on but I honestly don’t want to dwell on the past,” he said.
“You may find this hard to believe but I’m not really thinking about it. I’m only looking to the future, to what I can do and what the team here can do to develop this club for the future, not the past.
“I think you could argue the club has already got its identity back. I think that day in March, when all those fans returned for the Southend game, was such a pivotal moment.
“I think it’s already gone a long way to reclaiming its identity.”
It was announced last month that Sadler had acquired 96.2 per cent of the club’s shares (the remaining 3.8 per cent belong to supporters) as well as 100 per cent of the hotel.
It meant Sadler had taken Valeri Belokon’s 20 per cent share in the club, a stake that could have reverted to Owen Oyston had the former owner ever settled his debt with the Latvian.
That caused speculation that Sadler had come to an agreement with Belokon to transfer the Latvian’s shares into his control.
However, Sadler revealed yesterday he has had no conversation with the club’s former president and believes Blackpool need a fresh start from top to bottom, suggesting the Latvian will play no further role.
“I haven’t (had any contact),” he confirmed. “I’ve never met him but clearly he’s a very, very important person in the history of Blackpool Football Club.
“There’s a very strong argument that we would never have seen the Premier League if it wasn’t for his investment.
“But again, I was keen to buy the 96.2 per cent and I think the club needs a fresh start. I’m looking forwards and to the future, not to the past.”
While pledging to increase the playing budget, Sadler also acknowledged the desperate need to invest in the club’s infrastructure in the short term.
He suggested he will be seeking a new site for a training ground and spok of the need to give the stadium a lick of paint.
But Sadler also spoke with passion about the club’s academy, suggesting the Seasiders will have to bring through their own players if they are to be successful.
“I wouldn’t say the club is able to fund itself, I would say there is some very significant investment that is needed and I’m prepared for that,” Sadler said.
“You just need to look around the stadium — there’s clearly some TLC needed.
“The academy needs to be developed and of course the big one is the training ground.
“Squires Gate, as long a history as it’s got, is not really suitable for a club of Blackpool’s stature.
“Blackpool should be a solid Championship club and that is the goal.
“The goal right now is to get Blackpool out of League One and into the Championship and establish it in that division.
“To be an established Championship club we need a better infrastructure and part of that is getting much better training facilities.”
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/new-blackpool-fc- | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 12:34 - Jul 3 with 816 views | spell_chekker |
The path out of hell: how a new regime at Blackpool finally has the club looking forward again
There we were: a room of around 80 Blackpool supporters given free rein to ask questions to a brand-new owner of the club, an owner who spoke of top-class training facilities, five-year plans and £10m investments. And it was real life.
A fresh reality dawns across the Fylde Coast these days. With the arrival of lifelong fan, Hong Kong-based businessmen Simon Sadler, Blackpool Football Club sees a future where it belongs. Saddler talks passionately and knowledgeably about his five-year plan to create a community-centred training hub within the town, the likes of which the Seasiders could never have imagined. The current Squires Gate training cesspit has not seen an upgrade since the days of Stanley Matthews.
He speaks of a need for the club to reach Championship football again within a two year period and building a squad within that timeframe that will sustain the club’s place in that division for years to come. He speaks of matching the spending of the top five clubs within League One to give Blackpool every chance to reach the second tier of English football within the first year in charge under Terry McPhillips.
It is a wonderful time to be a Blackpool fan. You only have to look at the pitch as a metaphor for the progress this club is making in such a short space of time. It’s glowing. Usually, the Bloomfield Road turf looks fit for the Seaside with its divots and sand patches, but no more. Blackpool are about to become a proper professional football club for the first time in their history.
Sadler is an intelligent individual but he is also backed up by a highly experienced board. Michael Bollingbroke, the interim chairman, is on the Seaside after a long and successful stint as CEO of Internazionale and Ben Hatton is fresh off a spell as the COO at Manchester United. These are top-class operators in the footballing world who have well and truly bought into the Tangerine dream.
And with Sadler putting an emphasis on a professional structure, which starts with a director of football applying a philosophy that will follow from the academy to the first team, incorporating the use of data analytics and sports science throughout the whole process, it is acceptable for Blackpool fans to think they are living in an alternate universe. After all, it is bizarre that Blackpool are doing normal football things, and fans will celebrate the bare minimum these days given the past decades of ownership. Indeed, you only had to see the reaction to the new mowers for the pitch being purchased.
What is important to point out here, though, is that this is not the bare minimum. Fans would have marvelled in the bare minimum under the previous ownership, but this is so much more than that. This is the dream. This is the owner every football club wants; this is the ambition every football club wants; this is the plan every football club wants. Sadler, born and bred on the Fylde Coast, always dreamed of one day buying Blackpool with his best friend on the board — and now he has done it.
He is genuine, emotionally invested and, most importantly, doesn’t lose sight of the long-term structure needed to turn this club around. He hasn’t purchased the club he loves on a whim; he, with a large team of associates, has done hundreds of hours of due diligence to ensure he comes into Blackpool with every inch of uncertainty accounted for. Every crevice has been turned, and that is the sort of attitude you need to have to stick with this club.
It will take time and patience to get things off the ground, and Sadler talks in terms of decades for his plans to come to pass, but Blackpool have a path now, a custodian who cares, who sees a vision and the potential that this special place possesses. He sees how important the community is in all of this and how the club has a chance to change the fortunes and prosperity of a town languishing behind most in the United Kingdom when it comes to deprivation.
He understands that the club has to win back a generation of supporters who couldn’t or wouldn’t attend matches at Bloomfield Road under Oyston stewardship. He understands that football is a game of percentages and that any little inch you can use as an advantage over your counterparts has to be taken, hence his willingness to back analytics, sports science and a director of football.
He understands Blackpool Football club, he understands me and every other Blackpool supporter. And that is all we ever wanted. | |
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| Simon Sadler on 09:01 - Jul 5 with 810 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Simon Sadler says he’s financially able to run Blackpool Football Club by himself and appears to have ruled out a partnership with Valeri Belokon.
The 49-year-old, a lifelong Blackpool fan, was confirmed as the new chief last month when he purchased 96.2 per cent of shares in the club.
He has committed to remaining as the club’s owner for a period of 20 to 30 years and also stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure in the short term.
Sadler was asked at the fans’ forum on Monday whether he would be looking for financial help and said: “No, I’m financially able to do what is necessary and I think we’ve got a great management team in place.
“It’s also great to have my best friend on the board in Brett Gerrity, who has been my eyes and ears, and two high quality people from football.
“Both Michael (Bolingbroke) and Ben (Hatton) offered to stay on for a second interim period if you like, while something permanent will be put in place in the future.
“I wouldn’t say the club is able to fund itself. I would say there is some very significant investment that is needed and I’m prepared for that.
“You just need to look around the stadium, there’s clearly some TLC that needs doing to it.
“The academy needs to be developed and of course the big one is the training ground.
“Squires Gate, as long a history as it’s got, is not really suitable for a club of Blackpool’s stature.
“Blackpool should be a solid Championship club and that is the goal.
“The goal right now is to get Blackpool out of League One and into the Championship and establish it in that division.
“To be an established Championship club, we need a better infrastructure and part of that is getting much better training facilities.”
Sadler also appeared to rule out a future role for former director Belokon, who now has no stake in the football club.
“I haven’t (had any contact),” Sadler said.
“I’ve never met him, but clearly he’s a very, very important person in the history of Blackpool Football Club.
“There’s a very strong argument that we would never have seen the Premier League if it wasn’t for his investment.
“But again, I was keen to buy the 96.2 per cent and I think the club needs a fresh start. I’m looking forwards and to the future, not to the past.
“I just thought it was important that the club had a fresh start.
“I think acquiring all the shares made it much cleaner, there’s much more certainty with me owning the 96.2 per cent.”
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-owner-s | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 15:01 - Jul 13 with 787 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Simon Sadler has pledged to solve Blackpool’s staffing crisis while also signalling his intention to appoint a director of football.
The Seasiders have operated under a skeleton structure in recent years, with several members of staff forced to take on a number of roles.
While not entirely sure how many new members of behind-the-scenes staff are required, Sadler says it’s clear more bodies are required.
“This can’t have been a pleasant place to work these last few years, I can’t imagine what it’s been like,” he said.
“I met with staff and all credit to them for sticking to it.
“I’m not on top of numbers and exactly how under-staffed we are, although it’s clear we are, but I admire the people who have stuck through it.
“All the staff need to be treated a lot better.
“We’re going to build a modern, progressive football club here.
“I will also look to appoint a director of football to drive the philosophy of the club, while also having a large hand in recruitment.”
Sadler’s comments came during the recent fans’ forum at Bloomfield Road, where executive chairman Michael Bolingbroke also stressed the need to improve relations with club staff.
“It’s now our job to create a grown-up structure to run this club in a grown up way and treat both fans and staff with respect,” he said.
Bolingbroke, who has previously worked at Manchester United and Inter Milan, has been responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the club since February, when the club was placed into receivership.
He will remain at the club until September at least, which is when Sadler will make a decision on his future as well as fellow board member Ben Hatton.
Whatever Sadler decides to do, he will require a board to look after the club while he continues to look after his business, hedge fund Segantii Capital.
“Clearly I can’t be that hands on as I intend to be based in Hong Kong,” Sadler said.
“I will continue doing my day job to earn the money I’ll need to fund this club.
“But I’m incredibly lucky there is a very good executive team here and I’ve got an old friend and an old Blackpool colleague in Brett Gerrity who I have known for 32 years, since we were deckchair attendants together on Blackpool Prom, and he’s been kind enough to join the board as well.”
Sadler held senior roles in finance before setting up an asset management business, Segantii Capital Management, in Hong Kong in 2007, where he remains Chief Investment Officer.
Born and raised in Bispham, Sadler has been a lifelong fan of the club having watched his first game at Bloomfield Road in 1977 at the age of eight.
He was also present at Wembley on May 22, 2010 to witness the club gain promotion to the Premier League.
Since 2014, he has been the proud owner of Sir Stanley Matthews’ 1953 FA Cup winner’s medal, currently on loan to the National Football Museum in Manchester.
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/simon-sadler-vows | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 13:22 - Nov 7 with 755 views | spell_chekker |
The Proud History of Sir Stanley Matthews' Medal
Cup Exploits Now Cherished At Football Museum
With a whole nation of neutrals cheering him on, the ever popular Sir Stanley Matthews finally achieved FA Cup success with Blackpool in 1953.
A true man of the people, 'The Wizard of the Dribble' tormented opponents Bolton Wanderers and helped spark the greatest FA Cup final comeback of all time - to win a medal at the third time of asking.
Having been part of Blackpool squads that suffered defeat in the showpieces of 1948 and 1951, Matthews helped to galvanise his team-mates and inspire a fight back from 3-1 down with 22 minutes of the match remaining against The Trotters.
Though he didn't get on the score-sheet - Stan Mortensen (3) and Bill Perry did that - he created the platform for some of those efforts to find the net, while creating countless other opportunities.
At 38, he finally became an FA Cup winner and his display had reporters queuing up to label the occasion as 'The Matthews Final', not that he necessarily agreed.
“I don’t think I was the hero, I think Stan Mortensen was the hero because he scored three goals. The media made it my final,” he remarked.
While many would have expected Matthews' career to peak at this point, he would go on to be named the first ever European Football of the Year three years later and continued his playing days with former club Stoke City in 1961 until he reached the age of 50.
The famous 1953 FA Cup winners' medal he received was later purchased by Stoke City fan and comedian Nick Hancock in 2001 and displayed at Stoke City's stadium.
However, the opportunity to place a bid on the medal resurfaced in 2014 and saw a private collector, later revealed as now-Blackpool FC owner Simon Sadler, make it the most expensive British sports medal in history.
In a statement at the time, Jean Gough, daughter of Sir Stanley Matthews, said: "It's wonderful news, and shows the passion and remembrance the public still have for Pop.
"It would have made Pop so happy; when you consider he thought the medal was originally lost, only to discover it had been found in the attic of a house he had lived in 40 years previously."
The medal can now be viewed at the National Football Museum in Manchester alongside Sir Stanley's shirts, shorts and socks from the same match.
"It is an iconic piece of sporting history and I am honoured to own it,” Simon Sadler said. | |
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| Simon Sadler on 10:36 - May 31 with 643 views | spell_chekker |
I'm looking forward to him releasing an end-of-season statement. | |
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| Simon Sadler on 13:03 - May 31 with 639 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
No praise is high enough for what Simon Sadler has achieved so far....
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| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 10:32 - Jun 7 with 609 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
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| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 08:37 - Jun 13 with 603 views | spell_chekker |
Sadler letter to fans June 2021:
Simon Sadler: Two Years On
At 4.53pm on Sunday 30th of May 2021, with a record-breaking sixth Play-Off Final victory, our club, Blackpool Football Club, was promoted back to The Championship.
At a Fans' Forum in early July of 2019, just three weeks after having purchased the Club, I was asked what I thought about our chances of promotion to The Championship. I replied that we’d get there “hopefully in two years and I’ll be gutted if we don’t do it in three”. In the following weeks and months as we began the rebuild of our club, that statement took on the characteristics of a millstone or an albatross. The task at hand was significantly more substantial than I’d envisaged and the Club clearly needed rebuilding from top to bottom. By March 2020, however, we had the bones of a new structure in place throughout the Club and in Neil Critchley had just appointed a young, talented and hungry Head Coach. With the Covid pandemic spreading and the nation under lockdown, Neil and the recruitment team worked tirelessly to assemble a competitive squad. As the pre-season games got underway, we marvelled at the attractive brand of winning football of which this new group seemed capable. Not only were we going to get promoted, we were going to go up automatically, probably as Champions! The Gods of Football, however, seemed to have other ideas and with only seven points from our first nine games of the season, those words of mine uttered in July 2019 were again weighing heavily around my neck.
Whilst of course I was concerned, I never lost faith. There were more than enough positive moments to see that we were on the right track, but it was also increasingly apparent that I’d underestimated just how difficult it was to get out of League One. We hadn’t had much luck in those first nine games or so, as evidenced by our xG, the widely used statistical measure of expected goals, which indicated that we should have been much higher in the table. Nevertheless, I considered all that had happened over the preceding 18 months or so and concluded that a more realistic target would be for this to be the season where we laid the foundations to mount a serious challenge for at least the play-offs in the 2021/22 season. Others with more football experience than I were more confident. Ben Mansford kept drawing parallels with his time as Barnsley Chief Exec five years earlier, when a new, young team started the season similarly poorly yet still got promoted to The Championship via the play-offs. Linton Brown, an ex-pro centre-forward himself (as he likes to remind us), kept telling me that although Jerry hadn’t scored yet he’d bag us 20 goals this season. And Critch maintained a quiet, calm confidence that results would soon improve, as he embraced life as a League One manager.
We can all pick our own turning points but mine was that narrow 1-0 defeat when down to nine men away at Wimbledon on 27th October. The character and resilience we showed that day was remarkable and we were unlucky to leave South West London empty-handed. At the next game, away at Burton Albion, Jerry broke his duck with a brace and we were off. There were stumbles along the way as we showed that we could beat the better teams but often struggled against some of our more dogged opponents. You could increasingly see that the players were fit and that they worked hard. We were hit by more than our fair share of suspensions, injuries and absences through Covid, but we were so well coached and organised that players seamlessly slotted into the team to replace the absent. You could see the confidence and belief grow as the performances improved. At one point automatic promotion looked a possibility but 1-0 defeats in quick succession to Rochdale and Shrewsbury Town put paid to that. In the end we finished third, comfortably in the play-offs with six points to spare.
I spoke to Critch in about late March/early April and I recall saying something along the lines of “please make sure that we reach the play-offs as I want the players to know what it feels like so that if they don’t do it this year, they’re ready for next year”. As he does, Neil calmly assured me that we’d make the play-offs (I think he may’ve been keeping a closer eye on the League One table than he was letting on) and of course, we did. When we knew we were there and that we would face Oxford, I tried not to think too far ahead. I tried not to think of Wembley and I tried to take it one game at a time, like Critch and the boys were doing. Prior to the first leg against Oxford, I’d discussed with the likes of Ben and Brett how it would likely be a close game. I watched the warm-up at the Kassam quite intently and the lads exuded a professional confidence. As we took our seats just before kick-off, I turned to those around me and said, “I think we’ve got this”. After a nervy start, we settled and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. In the return leg, we discussed how the first goal would be vital. In true Blackpool style we then proceeded to turn that theory on its head by conceding said first goal but then quickly recovered to score two in quick succession to put the result of the tie beyond doubt.
The countdown to the final was interminable, but on the day I was the calmest man in Wembley. I’d decided that whatever happened I was going to enjoy the occasion and when my mind tried to play the day forward to the point of victory or defeat, I consciously didn’t let myself go there. Win or lose I was going to celebrate as my expectations had been exceeded. But I always thought we’d win. We had so much momentum behind us and had shown such spirit and character that I thought that with a bit of good fortune it should be our day. When we went a goal behind in the first minute I thought back to a conversation that I’d had with Critch after the second leg of the semi-final where I’d expressed how impressed I was at how we’d responded to going a goal behind on the night and that after five clean sheets in a row in the proceeding matches, that experience may well come in useful. My comments proved to be prescient and the lads didn’t panic. My belief only wobbled once on the day and that was when Lincoln hit the crossbar midway through the first half. I thought that our response to that scare was magnificent and once we’d equalised, there was only ever going to be one winner.
When the final whistle went, I hugged Gillian and my kids and just savoured the moment. The Lincoln directors immediately and graciously congratulated us. They’re good people and it’s a good club, but it was our day. I shared a few fist-bumps with family, friends and club officials and then grabbed Ben to go down to the pitch. Lads who grow up on Glastonbury Avenue and Bispham Road don’t normally get to go on the hallowed Wembley turf to celebrate their hometown football club getting promoted as fans, let alone as owner and I enjoyed every moment of it. I’ll never forget standing there hearing my name ringing out as we celebrated our victory and it’s a travesty that many more of you weren’t at Wembley to experience the day. Later, back at the hotel, players and staff alike deservedly let their hair down. By breakfast the next morning though we were already planning for the season ahead — squad, season tickets, sponsorship etc, etc.
One of the peculiarities of this past season has been that whilst fans have not been allowed into Bloomfield Road, a lot of them tell me that they feel a connection to the team and the Club that they have not felt for many a year. I think that this is partly down to the availability of iFollow which has allowed us to watch every game live — something that in normal times is expensive and difficult to achieve. I’d also suggest that the weekly preview show that we introduced has helped to connect fans with the Club and its players and that this has been particularly welcome given the remote circumstances under which we have all been living and operating. More than this though, I, like many others, feel that we’re building something very special here with Critch, his team and this set of players. I think that this squad with a few additions is more than capable of holding its own in The Championship. Our first target now we’re there is to stabilise and ensure that we don’t get relegated. I’ve said before that I feel that our natural place in the football pecking order is as a mid-table Championship side but with the right wind behind us we can make it back to The Premier League. I don’t have the wherewithal to buy our way in to the next tier so we’ll have to earn it. To do that we’ll need to rely in the first instance on our coaching and recruitment and in time on our Academy.
Whilst timely investment in players early in the summer 2020 transfer window helped Critch put his squad together, much investment is still needed. For the Club to really thrive we need to have all of our players, from The Academy through to the first team, training in one facility. We’re developing a footballing philosophy based around working hard and being organised, which then provides a platform to allow players to show some flair and to entertain. This philosophy needs to be imbued throughout the Club and to do that we clearly need new, integrated training facilties. This is by far and away my top investment priority and hopefully we will have good news to impart on this matter in the coming months.
Other investment throughout the Club and the stadium is ongoing, a few examples of which I’ll share. The common areas of the hotel have been spruced up making the hotel much more welcoming. The pitch is again being refurbished and the astro turf around the edge should hopefully be replaced in time for the start of the season. My personal pet peeve, the rusty stanchions in the stadium roof are being treated and painted. I’m also hopeful that we’ll find and enact a permanent solution to the stadium pigeon problem and must again thank the volunteers that clear up their mess and apologise to you and them for not having addressed this problem earlier. Fans can also expect to see further developments with our digital offering over the course of the next year.
As I’ve said before I alone cannot fund the investment that the Club needs. I am truly grateful for any contribution that you, the fans, make. I’ve been blown away by the support that’s been shown this past season with purchases made from the Club shop and of iFollow passes. I’d also like to single out those of you that bought season tickets last year and are buying again this year. The purchase of a season ticket is a significant commitment. It is a contract between the Club and the supporter. The Club takes your money and in return the supporter gets to watch 23 matches live at Bloomfield Road. Last year’s season tickets were different though. Four thousand of you parted with your money hoping to watch all, or at least some of the matches live, knowing that there was a chance that you may not get to watch any of them at all. We made it clear that in the eventuality that fans were not allowed into the stadium there would be no refunds if the matches were broadcast live. I am fully aware that to commit to the Club under those circumstances is an entirely different proposition to normal. I want those of you who bought season tickets last year, and are buying again on the same terms this season, to know that I am inordinately grateful that you are standing beside me and sharing the financial burden needed to rebuild this great club. I am particularly grateful to those of you who purchase multiple tickets from the same household. The task at hand to turn Blackpool Football Club into the modern, progressive football club that we all want is immense and I cannot do it alone. I’m grateful for every pound spent at the Club and for every hour spent volunteering there. We’re all in this together and I greatly appreciate the ongoing support.
I think that it is clear to us all that there is now a level of engagement between the Club and the fans that was unimaginable a few years back. The Club is being restored at the heart of the community and now has a good working relationship with important fan-led groups and institutions such as the Blackpool Supporters' Trust and The Armfield Club. It’s heartening to see how in the past year many of us have worked together on important initiatives such as the provision of mental health support for fans suffering during the lockdown. The collective effort in December to raise money for Christmas gifts for local children who would otherwise go without, affirmed to me that Blackpool are indeed Back.
A few other thank you’s before I wrap up. To Critch, his staff and the players for bringing us such joy and excitement this past year. They’ve sustained us during challenging times and I’m sure that I’m not the only one missing the Saturday-Tuesday routine. To Ben Mansford, Linton Brown, Brett Gerrity and all of the rest of the staff at the football club. They work incredibly hard and are building a football club that the town can be proud of. To our sponsors who, as a part of our Backing Blackpool initiative, continue to return to support and partner with us. To the Community Trust for all of the commendable work that they do in the locality. To Gillian and my family for their ongoing love, support and understanding.
Two years in and I’m still full of awe and wonder at being the owner of my hometown football club. I know that it’s a great honour and privilege to be the custodian of Blackpool Football Club and I will continue do my bit to protect, cherish and nurture it for the future generations of fans to come.
Now bring on The Championship……!
UTMP!
Simon | |
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| Simon Sadler on 09:03 - Jun 13 with 596 views | spell_chekker |
Hear, hear, bring it on. | |
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| Simon Sadler on 10:35 - Jun 13 with 591 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
Superb
Thank you Simon | |
| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 19:51 - Jun 13 with 583 views | spell_chekker |
I think we'll do well in the championship.
Critchley's game plan is multi-faceted, complex, and will have had a year to bed in and progress.
We've performed well against the top L1 teams.
The spirit, determination, and work rate in the squad is second to none.
We'll make some shrewd additions this summer.
Consolidation be damned. Dark horses for a play off slot more like. | |
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| Simon Sadler on 15:47 - Nov 23 with 481 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
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| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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| Simon Sadler on 20:58 - Dec 31 with 453 views | BringBackTheRedRoom |
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| ‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’ |
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