Blackpool is the only club to have moved up from every division of the Football League through the play-off system. They secured promotion after beating Cardiff City 3-2 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on 22 May 2010. This win marked Blackpool’s return to the top level of English football after a 39-year absence. Manager Ian Holloway was ecstatic about the promotion stating that they achieved the impossible dream, and they have done it their way. Concluding that it was the proudest moment of his career. The club is now managed by Steve Bruce and has a Blackpool-born owner – Simon Sadler.
In the match, Blackpool took the lead with a free-kick from Charlie Adam in the 13th minute and a goal from Gary Taylor-Fletcher in the 41st minute. Cardiff City scored early in the second half with a goal from Michael Chopra, but Blackpool quickly restored their two-goal lead with a goal from Brett Ormerod in the 49th minute. Despite Cardiff’s late push and a goal from Joe Ledley in the 79th minute, Blackpool held on to win 3-2 and secure their place in the Premier League for the 2010-2011 season. The game was full of exciting moments and key plays that led to Blackpool’s historic promotion.
Back in 1939 when James Blair was the captain of Blackpool FC, there was a match attended by George Formby. No post on Blackpool Football Club would be complete without referring to Jimmy Armfield, the distinguished player, manager, and broadcaster. He was born in 1935 in Denton, Lancashire, and moved to Blackpool during World War II, and the rest is history.
© Les Baldwin
First game under new ownership with a full stadium. Blackpool 2-2 Southend. © Les Baldwin
Premier League Kick Off at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, 28 August 2010. 3.00pm at Bloomfield Road and the first ever Premier League game at Bloomfield Road – Blackpool -v- Fulham is underway. © Terry Robinson
Who knew what fate had in store. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce and Blackpool manager Ian Hollway (right) ahead of the Barclays Premier League match at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. 22 January 2011.
