IN today’s 23 in 23, our preview of each SkyBet League One opponent for 2018/19, we take a look at Blackpool.
WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?
Away: Saturday November 24, 2018
Home: Saturday March 16, 2019
CLUB HISTORY:
Known as the Tangerines and Seasiders, Blackpool F.C. were founded in 1887. Several members of a former St John’s F.C. felt that Blackpool should have a single united football club, and after a meeting in the Stanley Arms Hotel, Blackpool F.C. was formally created. The club won silverware in their first season, winning the Lancashire Junior Cup and Fylde Cup.
In 1896, the club became a limited company and applied to become a member of the Football League. Their application was successful and their 1896/97 season was played in Division Two. In 1898, Blackpool finished third-from-bottom of the league and were not re-elected to the league, so returned to the Lancashire League. In the meantime, the club merged with rivals South Shore and, upon returning to Division Two in 1900, moved to their current home of Bloomfield Road.
The Tangerines won the Division Two title in the 1929/30 season and this remains their only league title to date. They also have one FA Cup to their name, winning the 1953 running with a 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers.
Blackpool’s most recent top-tier campaign came in 2010, after a 3-2 Championship play-off final victory over Cardiff City at Wembley.
Their first Premier League match was a 4-0 away win against Wigan Athletic. However, even with home and away victories against Liverpool and a total of 39 points from 38 games, Blackpool F.C. were relegated after just a single season in the Premier League.
LAST SEASON:
Blackpool’s latest season was in League One, finishing with 60 points from 15 wins, 15 draws and 16 losses. They were three points shy of a top-10 finish, with their final place confirmed as 12th in the league.
GROUND:
Bloomfield Road has been the home of the Seasiders since 1900. Current capacity is 17,338 and all-seated throughout the stadium. This year, Brewers fans will be seated in the Stan Mortensen North Stand, otherwise known as The Kop.
MANAGER:
Former professional player Gary Bowyer has been manager of Blackpool since June 2016. A player at Hereford United, Rotherham United and Nottingham Forest, Bowyer guided the Tangerines to League Two play-off final success against Exeter City in the 2016/17 campaign.
INCOMINGS:
So far, a total of twelve players have joined Blackpool F.C. this summer. Notable names include Liam Boyce’s Northern Ireland international compatriot Jordan Thompson, and highly-rated Leeds United centre-back Paudie O’Connor, on a season-long loan.