DON’T BLAME KARL FOR EVERYTHING
I THINK it’s fair to say that Karl Oyston isn’t every Blackpool fans’ cup of tea and there’s every chance I may not be either once they read that I have a quiet respect for some of his principles.
It’s just that after sticking to so many of them so stubbornly, a run of three League wins in 36 or 16 points from a last possible 108 before yesterday’s draw at The Amex, is sending his club on a downwards trajectory back to League One. I spent some time with him on Thursday, filming for BBC One’s Football Focus, after a period when so many aspects of his club’s inner workings have been laid so bare.
Almost as soon as Jose Riga was appointed in June, he and his chairman were squabbling, first regarding back room staff and then a list of transfer targets that Oyston maintains Riga himself was stubbornly sticking to pursuing.
A list of transfer targets that Oyston says involved a web of overseas payments that he would never in a million years sanction.
Cue just eight registered players and without a goalkeeper three weeks before the start of the season – and the headlines that have dogged the club as a result.
As for the potential recruitment of Owen Coyle and Gary Rowett as Riga’s replacement with the Belgian apparently oblivious to developments – Oyston has no regrets and believed it prudent practice as he thought his manager was so disaffected (the pair didn’t talk for a fortnight) he would leave anyway.
Accusations of where Blackpool’s Premier League windfall currently resides will always cloud the judgement of any Blackpool supporter on the The Oyston family.
But always remember – there are two sides to every story.