Blackpool v Charlton - Post Match Views

Back home around 3.30 this afternoon after a really good trip to the Pleasure Beach which is now the nickname for Bloomfield Road. Sadly, very little pleasure for the fans who turn up week after week to witness the result of Lord Oyston's mismanagement of their Club. Wish them well in Division One but can't see much changing if the ownership doesn't....

We witnessed a game of 75% head tennis/25% on the bumpy deck which must have totally knackered our lads. My neck's in a brace today, suffering from the stresses and strains of constant star gazing :-)

Atrocious pitch ( and we're the experts there ! ) , a feisty bunch of Tangerines( until the Eagle landed our first) and a ref who was determined to give the underdogs a long leash - the boys dealt with everything thrown at them, each & every one deserving of a stick of rock with "Charlton" all the way through. Our new "Special One" certainly knows what he's about. Rotating players, but not to the point of giddiness, he seems to have the knack of producing our best team to counter both the opposition's strengths and also the conditions. Another consummate performance in the end and our favourite scoreline. What more could the travelling faithful ask ?

Well, the camaraderie of the 300 or so was more apparent than usual with a good number staying in the Travelodge opposite the ground. So, plenty of wine flowed both before and after the match with few unsteady steps required between bar and padded seat in the Stand...luckily ! Meeting up with old friends and making new ones ensured that this was an evening to remember for reasons apart from the actual football. If only other Clubs had such reasonable accommodation in such close proximity to their ground, we could make this a season long habit. £32 for a big double room with a pristine en suite - what's not to like ?

So, another successful leg of this rollercoaster season is crossed off the list and although the motorway lag is starting to kick in, it's clear that there's nothing that beats bringing home the points. From the tweets shown herein from the lads, it's clear they appreciate the support and I believe Guy will have encouraged their comments. He looked a very happy man when he came over to us after the final whistle and he has every right to be proud of what he and his team have achieved over the past 6 weeks or so. I'm looking forward to thanking him face to face at the POTY dinner on 3rd May - why don't you buy your tickets and join me ?

Nearly forgot ....

A special mention for a Lifer who introduced himself to me with the words " Are you Fanny ? You dissed me on CL !" and proceeded to tell Mr F how (un) lucky he is to have me....

Good to meet you, chippy and don't forget, it's my round next time.

Onwards & upwards !