BLACKPOOL FANS’ VICTORY GIVES CHARLTON HOPE
THERE were no goals, no real chances and little to talk about on the pitch at The Valley on Saturday but it still felt as though one of the two clubs had won. This week has been historic for Blackpool. After four years of boycotts, and despite a potential points deduction hanging over their heads, they have something to celebrate. The Oyston family look to be on their way, courtesy of the club going into receivership. It was a court case that earned those supporters gathered in the Jimmy Seed Stand their victory. Not that this was pure celebration — they still need to know what comes next. Still, this was meant to be a clash between the two teams with the most reviled owners in the country. Instead, those in the away end have hope again. Blackpool supporter Robbie Whittaker stood outside there on Saturday with a slight grin on his face. He said: ‘I’ve not been to Bloomfield Road for four years. I’ve been a season-ticket holder since the 1970s, even while living in London. It took me 18 months to get used to not waking up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday to get the train up. This feels like the resumption of normal life for me, because it was a way of life.’ Not that they are counting their chickens. Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips said: ‘We’ll have to see what happens.’ There was no talk from McPhillips about negatives, only the positives that can come from moving out of the stormy past. Charlton are still in that boat and their situation feels precarious. Prospect Karlan Grant was sold to Huddersfield in January. Lee Bowyer has led them to fifth but was not allowed to sign a striker to replace him on a free transfer and Lyle Taylor, who plays up front for the Addicks, hammered owner Roland Duchatelet for the decision on Friday. Charlton fan Rick Everitt said: ‘The playing side feel they can be candid about the owner.’ Even so, the fans can take something from their opponents. Everitt added: ‘They’ve been very successful in boycotting their ground and driving down revenue. I’m sure in the fullness of time we’ll be able to get rid of Roland Duchatelet.’ As Blackpool have shown, victory comes in many forms.