Karl Oyston on the South Stand Saga
South Stand R.I.P
By Rocky64
February 28 2008
It's been a hell of a long time since the old South Stand was demolished, numerous promises have been made and broken and now there is a stand off. Fans recently protested against Oyston's lack of action when it comes to the South Stand and local newspaper The Blackpool Gazette has been calling out the man in charge for an interview, sniping and making digs until they got it.
That policy seem's succesful as Karl Oyston has been speaking to them about the fans recent protest's in which 250 seasiders stayed behind to vent there anger over the South Stand Saga.
Headed by organiser Joel Hatton they staged a peacful sit in protest and chanted "Build the South". But Chairman Karl Oyston told the Blackpool Gazette, "People can object all they like. They have been objecting for years at virtually every club about something. It doesn't drive policy; it doesn't affect policy; and it absolutely will not change my policy or the way I do things. It won't have a positive effect."
But protests are likely to continue with yet more sit in protest's along with other action, But Oyston understands where they are coming from. He said "I fully understand, sympathise and agree with the frustration out there because I share it. Yes, it is frustrating for everyone. I am frustrated as hell, but it doesn't alter either my ability or willingness to do anything about it."
The South Stand is likely to continue running as a car park until a Pre-Let can be secured, this is despite the promise that building would commence on September 23rd. (2005 I may add!) But Oyston spoke on the issue saying"For me to make a decision to build any further there has to be a signature on the lease, up front, that pays for the construction – simple as that. That has always been the policy and will be as long as I am chairman because it is the right policy."
Speaking on the benefits of such a policy he said,"It gives the manager the resources he needs without removing them to fund the future phases of the stand. Everyone has got somewhere to sit. If anyone wants a season ticket they can get one. It's not as if we are locking thousands of people out."
One thing's for sure the protest's are likely to continue until the stand is built. Teh club's been looking for five years for pre-let's now and theyneed to rethink there strategy as it obviously not working. Unlike that of former director Peter Whitehead's. He purchased the "Woodman Centre" and turned it into retail space, only one unit remains and will probably be filled shortly.
Although i'm sure the club will stress that these units are much smaller and out of town units are freezing the club out of this market until regeneration of Blackpool goes ahead. From a personal point of view i've always suggested the club apply to open a small casino in that stand, but it has never been taken seriously until recently.
We hope to have some sort of feature up with protest organiser Joel Hatton shortly. He's a good freind of mine and we're trying to get in to touch with him. In the meantime check out this week's poll where we're asking if a temporary stand would be a suitible comprimise, feel free to take part in the vote and let us have your opinion on the message boards.
The club is doing the best it has for a long time, still there are people that aren't happy. Personally i think it is a disgrace that we can win 5-3 against opposition who this time last season were in the premiership, and that some supporters still aren't happy. That result should have sent everyone home with a smile on their face but no, not at Blackpool people still aren't happy.
Thats it, lets pressure the board into making decisions on the future of BFC, come on, the protesting supporters are obviously the ones who are the experts.
Personally i am happy with how things are going at Blackpool, i am poud of the club as a whole at the moment. The south stand for me can wait. Lets put infrastructure in place a grow steadily. I would hate to see happen to Blackpool, what happened to Bradford City, Barnsley, Leicester City to name a few. That is throw loads of money at their clubs, build fantastic new stadiums and end up with massive debts and administration.
Infrastructure is what it is all about, we are a small club i'm afraid and we need to grow steadily.
Unfortunately i believe that a certain small section of supporters are delusional.