upthecherries.co.uk are building a section on the site called ‘look around league one’. Every thing you need to know about our opponents and a lot of stuff that you don’t need to know!
Blackpool
Who are ya?!
Team Name: Blackpool
Nickname: Seasiders
Ground Capacity: 11,000 ish
Rivals: Preston and Burnley
Favourite Chants: Simon Grayson tangerine Army!
Website: Vital Blackpool
Where are ya?!
What is your ground like (seated, covered etc)?
Well, half finished, we have two great sides with a corner that houses the home fans. Behind on of the goals there is nothing, just waste land. The away supporter have the third stand which is know as the Gene Kelly stand. It’s a temporary stand and has no roof, so you’ll be singing in the rain.
What is your away section like?
As I’ve said not very good, it holds around 1800 fans and there are numerous spots for wheel chair users. The toilets are port-a-cabins and there is the famous Incredible Edible burger van. The view isn’t too bad, your really close to the action but don’t jump around too much, one fan did and the floor on the stand caved it, so sit down and behave yourself.
How much does it currently cost for away fans?
It was Adults £14, Seniors £10 and Juniors £7, its seating but there is no roof.
Tips on where to park if travelling by car?
One of Europes biggest car and coach parks is adjacent to the ground, it pay and display and they do check, especially on match days.
If travelling by train, how far away is the stadium?
There are two stations based in Blackpool, North and South. The northern station is the best option, trains regular go to Blackpool North From Preston and Manchester. For further information on train times visit www.northernrail.org.
North station is about 1.5 miles away from the ground and takes about 15 minutes to walk to. If you decide to walk the best option is to walk towards the sea, just look for the tower. Then south along the sea promenade, and then take the left in-land on Lytham Road and then a left onto Bloomfield Road.
If you don’t fancy the walk, then you can grab a taxi, a rank is situated at Blackpool.
If you go to the south station just get off and you’ll see the ground about a mile away, so just walk.
Best places to drdrink/eat etc(for away fans)?
Near to the ground are a McDonalds to eat, and a pub called the Dog and Bone. If you fancy a drink then its best to have them in town then make your way to the ground, alternatively there is the The Manchester on Lytham Road which is nearby.
What do you think of the Cherries?
Got any memories of previous games with AFC Bournemouth?
One of the best teams to visit Bloomfield Road last season. Despite our poor pitch which caused most teams to play hoofball you lot managed to keep it on the deck and play some attractive football. Also hanging on for a point at your place was memorable with Payter smashing the ball against the bar from the late penalty.
Who do you see as AFC Bournemouth’s best player?
Hayter, the fella managed to grab a hat trick against us last season, a lot of Pool fans would love to see him wearing a tangerine shirt.
Why were Bournemouth at the wrong end of the table this season?
Not sure really, you really impressed the home fans at Bloomfield Road so it’s a surprise that you finished in the bottom half of League One. Looking at the table 25 home goals isn’t enough, the lowest in the league, so looks like you boys need a bit more fire power.
I think this backed up with the fact that Hayter was your top scorer with 20, then Andrew Surman with 6 goals and Steven Foley with 5, so you need another player to help Hayter with the scoring department.
Look ahead to the new season
What are the finances like at your club?
Its all very interesting on that front, at the moment Latvian Banker Valeri Belokon has made a investment into the footballing side of the club, about £4.5 million has been set aside for development of the team over the next few years. But we don’t know how much of that will be used, and how much can be used now, but it looks like we are one of the richest clubs in the league.
Are you happy with your Chairman?
Currently Karl Oyston is in charge but that might all change with the investment from Belokon. Oyston has been told that he will remain as chairman and Belokon will be the Club President, but who knows if that arrangement will last. Many people are sick and tired of the Oyston regime that has seen a lack of progress in the last few years so if he does go it would bring a few fans back to supporting the Pool.
Are you happy with your manager?
Well Simon Grayson is in charge but he position hasn’t been cemented in place with the takeover still in the air. If it goes ahead then he may go, he’s still very inexperienced, its his first job but so far he managed to keep us up so he’s done a good job.
What players are you frightened of losing over the summer?
Clarke and Parker, Peter Clarke is our captain and at the centre of the defence is a rock. Keigan Parker was the clubs top scorer last season and is a real livewire. He’s got electric pace and has the ability to finish from any position. He just needs to get some consistency into his game.
What area’s on the pitch do you need to improve?
Well the pitch actually! It’s terrible and is due to relayed in the close season. As for players two midfielders and a striker will do.
Thanks
upthecherries.co.uk would like to thank John of Vital Blackpool for their answers.