Blackpool owner Simon Sadler has issued a public message to supporters as the club battles to avoid relegation from League One.
With just nine matches remaining in the campaign, the Seasiders sit in the bottom four after a difficult run of results that has left them looking nervously over their shoulder.
The Lancashire club currently occupy 21st place with 38 points from 37 matches. Their position worsened at the weekend following a 2-1 defeat away at Doncaster Rovers, a result that extended a worrying run of form since the turn of the year.
That backdrop prompted Sadler to address supporters directly through the club’s official channels, acknowledging the disappointment surrounding the season while urging fans to continue backing the team during the crucial final weeks.
Owner accepts responsibility
In his statement, Sadler did not attempt to hide from the club’s struggles and accepted responsibility for the current situation.
“To all fellow Blackpool supporters, there is no getting away from the fact that so far this season we have not met the standards that our football club, and all of you who support it so passionately expect.”
“Just like you, I am bitterly frustrated with where we currently find ourselves but I also know that ultimately the responsibility for that sits with me.”
Blackpool’s recent results have left them firmly involved in the relegation fight, and the owner stressed that the campaign still has plenty of life left in it.
“With nine matches remaining, our season is not over. The fight to remain in this division will be decided in these final few weeks, and everyone at the club – players, staff and the leadership team – understands the importance of the challenge ahead.”
Sadler also emphasised the importance of unity between supporters and the team during what he described as a decisive period.
“Times such as these though are when we need to pull together, for our club and for our town.”
“The atmosphere you create, the backing you give the players, and the belief you bring to the team can lift performances in ways that statistics and tactics can never fully capture. We need that unity and uncompromising support now more than ever.”
Appeal to supporters ahead of run-in
Part of the message focused on encouraging supporters to attend Bloomfield Road during the run-in, with Sadler revealing that the club are considering ticket offers to increase attendances for the final home fixtures.
“If you are a season ticket holder and you’re thinking of not attending, I humbly ask you to reconsider.”
“For non-season ticket holders, I’m seeing what offers we can put on for the last five home matches of the season. We hope to be able to quickly announce and launch something tomorrow, so as to make it more affordable for as many of you as possible to attend over this crucial period.”
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to improving the club beyond the current campaign.
“I know that things are not good enough at this football club at the moment. No one is satisfied with where we are at but together we still have the opportunity to help shape how our season ends.”
“I am also in no doubt that it is incumbent on me, as owner and custodian, to do my bit to make us better than this in the future.”
Time left, but not much
Blackpool still have time to rescue their season, but the reality is that the margin for error is now extremely thin. When owners begin making emotional appeals to supporters with fewer than ten games remaining, it usually reflects the seriousness of the situation.
The next few weeks will determine whether the Seasiders can respond to that call or whether their season will end in relegation.
