Blackpool Football Club

Blackpool Football Club were founded in 1887 and have been based at Bloomfield Road since 1901, making it one of the oldest continuously used football grounds in the world. The club's golden age came in the 1940s and 1950s when, powered by the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen, the Seasiders became one of the most glamorous clubs in England. The 1953 FA Cup Final, universally known as the "Matthews Final," saw Blackpool come from 3-1 down to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-3, and it remains one of the most iconic matches in football history.

The modern era has been defined by extremes. Ian Holloway's swashbuckling Blackpool side won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2010, with Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell dazzling the top flight before inevitable relegation in 2011. What followed was a prolonged nightmare under the Oyston family's ownership, as the club was systematically neglected while the owners extracted millions. Supporters boycotted matches, attendances plummeted, and Blackpool dropped to League Two by 2016.

The appointment of a receiver and the eventual sale to local businessman Simon Sadler in 2019 marked a turning point. Sadler oversaw promotion back to the Championship in 2021, though relegation to League One followed in 2023. The 2025-26 season has been a struggle, with the club sitting 21st and fighting relegation after the sacking of Steve Bruce and the appointment of Ian Evatt in October 2025. Bloomfield Road, with its 16,220 capacity, is slowly being modernised as the club attempts to rebuild on more sustainable foundations.