Blackpool at home match thread

[Jerseybean]

A1230 kick off against the Seasiders, it’s on Sky.

In January they sacked head coach Michael Appleton after only seven months in charge, following a run of one win in 11 games. They appointed ex-Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy as their new head coach until the end of the season. The Seasiders were 23rd in the league at the time. McCarthy, 63, had been out of the game since leaving Cardiff by mutual consent in October 2021.

The 2020–21 season was the club's 112th season in the English Football League. They finished third in League One and won promotion to the EFL Championship via the play-offs beating Lincoln City 2-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium, both goals being scored by Kenny Dougall.

 

 

We drew 3-3 at their place back in August,

 

 

Our record against them over the years is won 36, drawn 29 and lost 33.

Ten seconds into the new season back in August 1995 this happened! 

 

 

We will be celebrating Chris Garland joining the Hall and be marking what would have been Club Legend Buster Footman’s 85th Birthday (13/03.) His son Rick will be in attendance to witness a short video and moment of appreciation. https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/ℹ-celebrate-chris-garland-and-buster-footman/

Their fans will endure a 420 mile + round trip.

We’ve had a bit of snow this week so here’s a look at some impressive white-outs from the past: https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2010/jan/06/worst-snow-weather-white-outs and see the picture below of the City Council clearing North Street

Blackpool latest: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpools-bid-to-stay-up-takes-them-to-bristol-city-after-a-devastating-week-off-the-field-4055645 MM on chances of staying up: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/its-not-insurmountable-mick-mccarthy-evaluates-blackpools-survival-chances-ahead-of-bristol-city-clash-4058365 and their expected line up: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/photo-gallery-how-blackpool-are-predicted-to-line-up-against-bristol-city-in-front-of-the-sky-sports-cameras-4058349

In October They signed midfielder Liam Bridcutt on an initial one-year deal. Free agent Bridcutt, 33, played for Seasiders boss Michael Appleton at Lincoln City before leaving in June after two-and-a-half years. "We know the quality and the experience he's got at Premier League and Championship level," said Appleton. "He's a fantastic character who will bring a lot of things off the pitch. His addition will be a real plus." Former Scotland international Bridcutt has the option of a further year at Bloomfield Road. Bridcutt spent his youth career at Chelsea but made his name during three-and-a-half seasons at Brighton, leaving in 2014 when Sunderland paid £3m to reunite him with then-manager Gus Poyet.

In late January ex-Cardiff City defender Curtis Nelson joined Blackpool on a deal until the end of the season. The deal was confirmed after it was announced that Nelson had left the South Wales club by mutual consent. The 29-year-old played 127 games for Cardiff, who are one of new Seasiders boss Mick McCarthy's former clubs.

Our depleted squad means the side practically picks its self, this article reveals our lack of depth: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-squad-depth-chart-8234223

NP presser:

 

 

 

Having managed a 3-3 at Turf Moor earlier this season last weekend they drew 0-0 against Burnley. There was tragedy surrounding this game as a Blackpool fan died in a pub brawl, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-64861231

They have lost three, drawn two and won one of their last six games. They have gained two points in their last nine away games and lost the last five.

They currently occupy 22 place with 32 points from 35 games.

Alan Skirton and Junior Bent played for both teams.

Memories here of Tom Ritchie and encounters against the Seasiders: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-flashback-time-robins-6599445

Darren Bond is in charge he has taken charge of 30 games so far this season in both the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship among other competitions, handing out 131 yellow cards and two red cards so far this campaign. He will be assisted by Philip Dermott and Akil Howson, the fourth official is Sam Barrott.

Club history

Blackpool Football Club were formed in July 1887, making the club just a year younger than Arsenal and older than the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

For the first 60 years of their existence Blackpool spent most of their time in the second-flight of English football, with the odd foray into the top flight.

During the Second World War, Blackpool became a key training centre for the Royal Air Force, and many of England's best players were drafted to the town and this in turn strengthened the football club.

After the end of the War in 1945, two of Blackpool's most famous players came to the fore—Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen.

After joining the club in 1946 Mortensen was Blackpool's top goalscorer for the next nine seasons and became the first Englishman to score at the FIFA World Cup finals when he scored against Chile in the 1950 finals.

The 1940s and 50s proved to be the golden era for Blackpool.

They reached the FA Cup Final in 1948 and 1951, losing to Manchester United and Newcastle respectively, and were runners-up in the first-division in 1956—the closest the club has ever come to winning the top-flight of English football.

The club's most notable achievement came in 1953 when they returned to Wembley for the third time in six years to play Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup Final.

Played in front of a crowd of 100,000, Blackpool won the game 4-3 after an injury-time winner.

The game—which is better remembered as "The Matthews Final" after Matthews' performance—remains the only Wembley FA Cup Final to have seen a hat-trick, scored by Mortensen.

As the 1960s dawned, the famous side of the 50s departed and in 1967 the inevitable happened and Blackpool were relegated to the second-division.

The period did, however, see the emergence of two very talented players.

Jimmy Armfield—who spent his entire career at the club would go on to make 569 appearances for the club and he was joined by Alan Ball.

Ball was still a Blackpool player when he won the Man of the Match award in the 1966 World Cup Final.

Since 1967, they have been in the top flight twice (1970-71 and 2010-11).

Enjoy and here’s to a resounding home win, COYR,

 

[bcfc01]

Missing a few players and possibly James out as well, but still the potential for a strong starting eleven;

________________O'Leary_______________

Tanner____Vyner_____Pring____Dasilva

___________King_______Scott___________

________________Sykes__________________

__Bell__________Wells_________Mehmeti

 

[Jerseybean]

Ironically the man in this picture may be watching along with the rest of us tomorrow. 

[Jerseybean]

Programme: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/nik-haikin-in-the-robins-online-programme/

[Jerseybean]

Please bring some spare change (or notes) to the game tomorrow. Ben was a lifelong city fan who died when he was just eight years old. His football teammates are bucket collecting at this game to raise money for Be More Ben a charity set up by his parents to support families affected by the death of a child with counselling and support groups. You can also donate directly from your bank account using the QR code on the flyer below COYR ️️

[Gazred]

57 minutes ago, bcfc01 said:

Missing a few players and possibly James out as well, but still the potential for a strong starting eleven;

________________O'Leary_______________

Tanner____Vyner_____Pring____Dasilva

___________King_______Scott___________

________________Sykes__________________

__Bell__________Wells_________Mehmeti

 

I think bar James that's the starting line up.

Based on what we've seen so far, what do we think of Mehmeti as the 10?

Might give him some more space to operate and he's not work shy.

[Jerseybean]

Cam pre-match….https://youtu.be/J9i4pQRb_dg

[tin]

2 hours ago, Jerseybean said:

Ironically the man in this picture may be watching along with the rest of us tomorrow. 

I’ve got a feeling he might start tomorrow, possibly with the aid on an injection. Big boost for us if he does.

I reckon it’ll be something like this:

O’Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Pring, Dasilva; King, James; Sykes, Scott, Mehmeti, Bell. 

I’d much rather Wells starts as the lone striker, though, and Bell plays wide if he has to start. We shall see.

[1960maaan]

2 hours ago, tin said:

I’ve got a feeling he might start tomorrow, possibly with the aid on an injection. Big boost for us if he does.

One thing that Pearson never does, is risk a players longer term fitness. I've got to say I admire him for that. James might play, but it will be because he passed the Test. It will be better to miss tomorrow and be available for the next few games.

I expect to see Omar Taylor-Clark get his League debut tomorrow, whatever happens and hopefully some pitch time for Wilson.
 

 

[spudski]

44 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

One thing that Pearson never does, is risk a players longer term fitness. I've got to say I admire him for that. James might play, but it will be because he passed the Test. It will be better to miss tomorrow and be available for the next few games.

I expect to see Omar Taylor-Clark get his League debut tomorrow, whatever happens and hopefully some pitch time for Wilson.
 

 

I'm expecting Weimann to play.

In today's Presser, Np speaks about talking to Weimann today, his ability to play in various positions/being adaptable. 

 

[Red Army 75]

COYR , another tough game but even with our injuries I expect us to win today.  3-1 City

[1960maaan]

9 hours ago, spudski said:

I'm expecting Weimann to play.

In today's Presser, Np speaks about talking to Weimann today, his ability to play in various positions/being adaptable. 

 

I think it's the most likely change from the start, should James fail his fitness test. 
Whether he would play central or not is the question, with Sykes doing well I think it's likely.

[City oz]

2-1 home win today on most sites. 

Since the turn of the year, Bristol City have been one of the in-form teams in the Championship, collecting 16 points from eight matches to suggest that they could still mount a bid for the playoffs.

While that remains the case, a 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City and a goalless draw at Huddersfield Town have led to all momentum being lost at the wrong time.

Nigel Pearson will be conscious of that, his team also not scoring more than one goal in a match since February 4, but victory on Saturday would at least keep his side competitive in the race for the playoffs.

Although they were defeated 3-0 at home to Manchester City in the FA Cup, Bristol City have been excellent at Ashton Gate of late, collecting 11 points from a possible 15.

Pearson's side have also conceded just once in their most recent three league matches on familiar territory ahead of facing opponents who are not known for their goalscoring exploits.

[BigTone]

16 hours ago, Jerseybean said:

A1230 kick off against the Seasiders, it’s on Sky.

In January they sacked head coach Michael Appleton after only seven months in charge, following a run of one win in 11 games. They appointed ex-Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy as their new head coach until the end of the season. The Seasiders were 23rd in the league at the time. McCarthy, 63, had been out of the game since leaving Cardiff by mutual consent in October 2021.

The 2020–21 season was the club's 112th season in the English Football League. They finished third in League One and won promotion to the EFL Championship via the play-offs beating Lincoln City 2-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium, both goals being scored by Kenny Dougall.

 

 

We drew 3-3 at their place back in August,

 

 

Our record against them over the years is won 36, drawn 29 and lost 33.

Ten seconds into the new season back in August 1995 this happened! 

 

 

We will be celebrating Chris Garland joining the Hall and be marking what would have been Club Legend Buster Footman’s 85th Birthday (13/03.) His son Rick will be in attendance to witness a short video and moment of appreciation. https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/ℹ-celebrate-chris-garland-and-buster-footman/

Their fans will endure a 420 mile + round trip.

We’ve had a bit of snow this week so here’s a look at some impressive white-outs from the past: https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2010/jan/06/worst-snow-weather-white-outs and see the picture below of the City Council clearing North Street

Blackpool latest: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpools-bid-to-stay-up-takes-them-to-bristol-city-after-a-devastating-week-off-the-field-4055645 MM on chances of staying up: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/its-not-insurmountable-mick-mccarthy-evaluates-blackpools-survival-chances-ahead-of-bristol-city-clash-4058365 and their expected line up: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/photo-gallery-how-blackpool-are-predicted-to-line-up-against-bristol-city-in-front-of-the-sky-sports-cameras-4058349

In October They signed midfielder Liam Bridcutt on an initial one-year deal. Free agent Bridcutt, 33, played for Seasiders boss Michael Appleton at Lincoln City before leaving in June after two-and-a-half years. "We know the quality and the experience he's got at Premier League and Championship level," said Appleton. "He's a fantastic character who will bring a lot of things off the pitch. His addition will be a real plus." Former Scotland international Bridcutt has the option of a further year at Bloomfield Road. Bridcutt spent his youth career at Chelsea but made his name during three-and-a-half seasons at Brighton, leaving in 2014 when Sunderland paid £3m to reunite him with then-manager Gus Poyet.

In late January ex-Cardiff City defender Curtis Nelson joined Blackpool on a deal until the end of the season. The deal was confirmed after it was announced that Nelson had left the South Wales club by mutual consent. The 29-year-old played 127 games for Cardiff, who are one of new Seasiders boss Mick McCarthy's former clubs.

Our depleted squad means the side practically picks its self, this article reveals our lack of depth: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-squad-depth-chart-8234223

NP presser:

 

 

 

Having managed a 3-3 at Turf Moor earlier this season last weekend they drew 0-0 against Burnley. There was tragedy surrounding this game as a Blackpool fan died in a pub brawl, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-64861231

They have lost three, drawn two and won one of their last six games. They have gained two points in their last nine away games and lost the last five.

They currently occupy 22 place with 32 points from 35 games.

Alan Skirton and Junior Bent played for both teams.

Memories here of Tom Ritchie and encounters against the Seasiders: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-flashback-time-robins-6599445

Darren Bond is in charge he has taken charge of 30 games so far this season in both the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship among other competitions, handing out 131 yellow cards and two red cards so far this campaign. He will be assisted by Philip Dermott and Akil Howson, the fourth official is Sam Barrott.

Club history

Blackpool Football Club were formed in July 1887, making the club just a year younger than Arsenal and older than the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

For the first 60 years of their existence Blackpool spent most of their time in the second-flight of English football, with the odd foray into the top flight.

During the Second World War, Blackpool became a key training centre for the Royal Air Force, and many of England's best players were drafted to the town and this in turn strengthened the football club.

After the end of the War in 1945, two of Blackpool's most famous players came to the fore—Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen.

After joining the club in 1946 Mortensen was Blackpool's top goalscorer for the next nine seasons and became the first Englishman to score at the FIFA World Cup finals when he scored against Chile in the 1950 finals.

The 1940s and 50s proved to be the golden era for Blackpool.

They reached the FA Cup Final in 1948 and 1951, losing to Manchester United and Newcastle respectively, and were runners-up in the first-division in 1956—the closest the club has ever come to winning the top-flight of English football.

The club's most notable achievement came in 1953 when they returned to Wembley for the third time in six years to play Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup Final.

Played in front of a crowd of 100,000, Blackpool won the game 4-3 after an injury-time winner.

The game—which is better remembered as "The Matthews Final" after Matthews' performance—remains the only Wembley FA Cup Final to have seen a hat-trick, scored by Mortensen.

As the 1960s dawned, the famous side of the 50s departed and in 1967 the inevitable happened and Blackpool were relegated to the second-division.

The period did, however, see the emergence of two very talented players.

Jimmy Armfield—who spent his entire career at the club would go on to make 569 appearances for the club and he was joined by Alan Ball.

Ball was still a Blackpool player when he won the Man of the Match award in the 1966 World Cup Final.

Since 1967, they have been in the top flight twice (1970-71 and 2010-11).

Enjoy and here’s to a resounding home win, COYR,

 

Condensed Version 

Blackpool;

12:30 kick.off on Sky

COYR

[Guest]

We had better be up for a fight today as Blackpool will be fighting to stay in this div. Could get "roughed up" a bit hoping for a decent ref to keep a lid on things.

This will not be easy hope we are up for it from the off and get an early goal.

[City oz]

14 minutes ago, BigTone said:

Condensed Version 

Blackpool;

12:30 kick.off on Sky

COYR

Be In Sports Channell 1 in OZ. Western Australia local time 8.15PM. COYRedssssssssss

[Out of his pie crust]

1 hour ago, gl2 said:

We had better be up for a fight today as Blackpool will be fighting to stay in this div. Could get "roughed up" a bit hoping for a decent ref to keep a lid on things.

This will not be easy hope we are up for it from the off and get an early goal.

Scott to be booted count: plenty

[E.G.Red]

1 hour ago, BigTone said:

Condensed Version 

Blackpool;

12:30 kick.off on Sky

COYR

Also on Talksport 2

[Rocking Red Cyril]

1 hour ago, gl2 said:

We had better be up for a fight today as Blackpool will be fighting to stay in this div. Could get "roughed up" a bit hoping for a decent ref to keep a lid on things.

This will not be easy hope we are up for it from the off and get an early goal.

Always said goal first 20 settles the team and the fans. So important at the gate. But can really see this being a grind of a game with some brutal tactics by Blackpool. ' good ref '. I given up hope of one of those. As extinct as the Dodo I would say 

Edited March 11, 2023 by Rocking Red Cyril

[David Brent]

Another tough opponent who won’t let us play the way we want to.

Hoping for 3 points to avoid an inevitable meltdown on here if we don’t win. 

[Clevedon Red]

1 hour ago, gl2 said:

We had better be up for a fight today as Blackpool will be fighting to stay in this div. Could get "roughed up" a bit hoping for a decent ref to keep a lid on things.

This will not be easy hope we are up for it from the off and get an early goal.

Darren Bond is your ref today. Last did us vs Huddersfield in August.

98 yellows and 2 reds in the championship games he’s reffed so far.

Edited March 11, 2023 by Clevedon Red

[Guest]

35 minutes ago, Out of his pie crust said:

Scott to be booted count: plenty

very likely, fouls a plenty and bookings; we need to be at it from the off, fear we could be looking to the summer hols and looks like we will be far from a 1st choice team to start.

Patched up team v a team fighting for survival.....will be close and could go either way.

[B1ackbird]

16 minutes ago, gl2 said:

very likely, fouls a plenty and bookings; we need to be at it from the off, fear we could be looking to the summer hols and looks like we will be far from a 1st choice team to start.

Patched up team v a team fighting for survival.....will be close and could go either way.

The price we pay for a wafer thin squad sadly.....

[old_eastender]

Given we should not be risking a longer lay-off for James if he is not 100% fit, I would like to see Omar Taylor-Clark start rather than playing Andi out of position, or having Scott drop back. Good to see if OTC is up to it, or not.

 

 

[Son of Fred]

20 minutes ago, old_eastender said:

Given we should not be risking a longer lay-off for James if he is not 100% fit, I would like to see Omar Taylor-Clark start rather than playing Andi out of position, or having Scott drop back. Good to see if OTC is up to it, or not.

 

 

Drop Scott back,, Andi at 10,, job's a good un......

Edited March 11, 2023 by Son of Fred

[Jerseybean]

The prospect of a dour game awaits I fear, between two teams who aren’t scoring. For me the first goal (if indeed there is one) will be key. If we get it we could end up with two or three, if they get it then they will park the bus.

Some parallels with Huddersfield perhaps in that if one of our first half chances had been taken it would have significantly changed the game with them having to look to equalize. 

So, completely hedging my bets, it’s likely to end 0-0, or perhaps 1-0 to them, or if we score first us winning 2-0 or even 3-0
 

[Swede]

Really hoping we're upbeat and bright from the kick off and put them on the backfoot. The key for me is the tempo.

It's going to be more difficult without potentially three first choice players on top of the injuries we currently have.

Keep Scott in his position rather than sacrificing his attacking ability. If ever there was a game where attack is the best form of defence then this is it.

[Jerseybean]

[Bris Red]

Is there a stream for this anywhere lads?

[ashton_fan]

Blackpool have a lot of injuries as well. I expect Sykes to move to mid if James not available and Weiman out wide. It will be a hard match but if we turn up we should win or at worst get a point. If we don't turn up we'll lose for sure.