Blackpool supporters coming to The Valley on Saturday will be walking with an extra spring in their step after the news this week that the club has been placed in receivership. Although this might result in a penalty of a deduction of twelve points (the EFL will decide on March 5th) it is a price that many Blackpool fans are prepared to pay as it at last signals the departure of the much despised Oyston family as owners of the club.
Blackpool Supporters Trust has issued the following statement:
"The exciting developments at court in London yesterday have understandably prompted a widespread and mainly positive reaction. Expectations are high.
BST would like to reassure all Blackpool fans that we are currently taking advice on the next steps for our football club. We have spoken with the court appointed Receivers and are currently waiting to meet with them to discuss in detail the specifics of how our club can move forward. There are many issues to cover.
We are all eager to return to Bloomfield Road and so we ask for your patience while we establish exactly what the situation is regarding the finances at the club and confer with other fan groups. We will update you all as soon as possible in the next few days and we look forward to planning our return together."
On the field of play, the Seasiders have shown some impressive form of late and are unbeaten in their last six games. Their away form has been particularly good with wins at Portsmouth and Coventry and draws at Wimbledon and, this week, at Sunderland. They sit in eighth place and are eight points behind Charlton with a game in hand.
The atmosphere in the Jimmy Seed Stand will be buoyant and celebratory but Charlton fans will have an extra bounce of their own in anticipation of the return of Lyle Taylor after suspension. Lee Bowyer has described Taylor this week as "like a kid in a sweet shop. He can't wait to play on Saturday and he'll be flying I'm sure".
Given the toothless performances we have seen from the team in Taylor's absence there will be a lot of responsibility on his shoulders to make his presence felt and to galvanise his team mates. Charlton fans will be keen to see how he links up with new signing Josh Parker and will also be hopeful that Joe Aribo can make a successful return.
Although Charlton's recent form has been disappointing the team have actually collected more points over the last five games than have Portsmouth, Sunderland and Peterborough. Three points on Saturday would surely be enough to create an insurmountable gap whether or not Blackpool suffer a points deduction. Failure to win with Lyle Taylor in the team would however be a major disappointment. We anticipate an exciting encounter with Charlton coming out on top.