One of the Best Football Clubs – Blackpool Football Club

Founded in 1887, Blackpool Football Club is an English professional football club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire. The club has a long and rich history, making it one of the best football clubs in the country.

Early Years

The early years of Blackpool Football Club were modest, with the club playing in local leagues and only drawing small crowds. However, in 1901, the club joined the Football League Second Division and began making a name for themselves. They were promoted to the First Division in 1905, but their success was short-lived as they were relegated after just one season.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that Blackpool started to establish themselves as a top club. Led by manager Harry Evans, the team won the Second Division title in 1929 and were promoted to the First Division once again. This time, they were more successful and finished in third place in the 1929-30 season.

The Stanley Matthews Era

In 1930, a young winger named Stanley Matthews made his debut for Blackpool. He quickly became a star player and went on to spend 14 seasons with the club. During this time, Blackpool reached the FA Cup Final twice, in 1948 and 1951, with Matthews playing a key role in both finals.

Matthews is considered one of the greatest players in the history of English football, and his time at Blackpool helped establish the club as a force to be reckoned with. In 1953, he was awarded the inaugural Ballon d’Or, recognizing him as the best football player in Europe at the time.

50s and 60s Success

The 1950s and 60s were some of the most successful decades for Blackpool Football Club. In 1955, they reached the FA Cup Final for the third time, and this time, they were victorious, defeating Bolton Wanderers 4-3 in what is known as the “Matthews Final”.

In 1956, Blackpool were runners-up in the First Division, finishing just three points behind champions Manchester United. However, they were unable to maintain their success and were eventually relegated to the Second Division in 1967.

The Return to the Premier League

Blackpool spent the majority of the 70s, 80s, and 90s in the lower divisions, with the occasional promotion and relegation. However, in 2010, they surprised everyone by finishing in sixth place in the Championship and qualifying for the playoffs. They went on to defeat Cardiff City in the final and secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 39 years.

Their return to the top flight was short-lived, as they were relegated after just one season. But, Blackpool’s time in the Premier League will always be remembered for their entertaining style of play and their 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on the opening day of the season.

The Current State of Blackpool FC

After several seasons in the lower divisions, Blackpool is currently playing in League One. The club has struggled to maintain their success on the pitch due to financial difficulties and several changes in ownership. However, the team is still loved by their loyal fans, who continue to support them through thick and thin.

In recent years, there have been signs of improvement, with the appointment of Simon Grayson as manager in 2019. Grayson, who played for Blackpool in the 90s, guided the team to a mid-table finish in his first season, and the fans are hopeful for a brighter future for the club.

Blackpool FC’s Impact

Despite their modest size and resources, Blackpool Football Club has had a significant impact on English football. They are known for their attacking style of play, which has entertained fans for decades. The club also holds a special place in the hearts of many for giving Stanley Matthews the platform to showcase his talents and become a legend of the game.

Blackpool’s win in the 1953 FA Cup Final also holds historical significance, as it was the first major cup final to be televised. The “Matthews Final” is still remembered by many as one of the greatest FA Cup Finals of all time.

In Conclusion

Blackpool Football Club may not be the most decorated club in English football, but their history and impact on the game make them one of the best. They have had their fair share of ups and downs, but their loyal fans and their entertaining style of play continue to make them a beloved club in the world of football.

As they continue to write their story, we can only hope that Blackpool Football Club will once again reach the heights of their glory days and establish themselves as a top club in English football.