Blackpool in talks over ground switch Bloomfield Road, Blackpool Lancashire England
Blackpool in talks over ground switch
Published: 12th July 2010
Blackpool in talks over ground switch
BLACKPOOL are in talks with the Premier League about the possibility of switching their opening match to Wigan's DW Stadium – but the club insist they will do all they can to keep it at Bloomfield Road.
Work on the east stand, which will raise the capacity to 17,600, is progressing well with the new season still five weeks away.
However, the Premier League require a 100 per cent guarantee that the stand will be open for the big kick-off against Roberto Martinez's Latics on August 14.
The Seasiders are confident it will be ready in time but aren't in a position to give an absolute assurance, given that delays are commonplace in construction work.
It is imperative the east stand is open to enable the club to meet strict Premier League rules regarding the number of press seats and TV camera positions.
Aware that they had a stand to build in double quick time, the Seasiders requested an away match to start the season. However, when the fixtures came out Pool found themselves at Bloomfield Road on day one.
A national newspaper yesterday claimed that the opening fixture will definitely be switched to Wigan, but The Gazette understands that nothing has been finalised.
A Blackpool FC source told The Gazette that discussions are "ongoing" and that an announcement will be made in due course.
If they do have to switch the fixture, attention will focus on ensuring the new facilities are ready for the next scheduled home game, against Fulham on August 28.
However, the Premier League require a 100 per cent guarantee that the stand will be open for the big kick-off against Roberto Martinez's Latics on August 14.
The Seasiders are confident it will be ready in time but aren't in a position to give an absolute assurance, given that delays are commonplace in construction work.
It is imperative the east stand is open to enable the club to meet strict Premier League rules regarding the number of press seats and TV camera positions.
Aware that they had a stand to build in double quick time, the Seasiders requested an away match to start the season. However, when the fixtures came out Pool found themselves at Bloomfield Road on day one.
A national newspaper yesterday claimed that the opening fixture will definitely be switched to Wigan, but The Gazette understands that nothing has been finalised.
A Blackpool FC source told The Gazette that discussions are "ongoing" and that an announcement will be made in due course.
If they do have to switch the fixture, attention will focus on ensuring the new facilities are ready for the next scheduled home game, against Fulham on August 28.
Source: www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
