Belokon's 'Tangerine Dream'

Since his investment in the club, fortunes have changed on the pitch with the club currently flying high on the verge of the playoff positions in Coca Cola League One. This saturday, the Tangerines come up against minnows Aldershot in the Third Round of the FA Cup - a big tie for both sides.

For Blackpool, a win would mean being one step closer to a tie against Premiership opposition, while Aldershot would no doubt become giant killers and be that same step closer towards a massive amount of money for the club.

In an interview with BBC Sport, he stated that Wembley was more famous than any other English venue during his youth in Latvia and he followed the FA Cup back in the 70's and 80's but he has become 'more aware' of it's great history since arriving at Bloomfield Road last year.



He was then asked about his knowledge of Blackpool greats such as Sir Stanley Matthews.

'I have to admit before coming to Blackpool I did not have a great deal of knowledge about the history of the club.' He replied. 'I had heard about Sir Stanley Matthews, but I didn't know about the other great players who played for the club.' 'A book of the history of the Seasiders was given to me as a birthday present and it fascinated me.'

He was then pressed on more important matters about the club itself, in particular his reasons for the investment.

When I was given the chance to get involved with a football club, the old love [for football] reappeared. I think it was a decision made by my heart rather than a pragmatic one.' 'The money aspect not only affects the football business. As an investor one of the basic rules is that you have to be ready to lose money in order to progress.'

This must be good news for all Blackpool fans. As the old expression goes, 'you have to lose money to make money', and it's good to see that Mr. Belokon has adopted that same philosophy in life!



In recent weeks, fans have been left guessing as to when work will begin on the current 'gravel trap' of a South Stand - which has made a mockery of the club in many eyes. 'It's not very difficult to finance the construction works for the increase in capacity at Bloomfield Road. It's vital that we give all those who want to come to see Blackpool the chance to do so.'

The team currently at the club has also been regarded by many, as one of the best in terms of overall quality that has been seen down at Bloomfield Road in quite a few years. Pressed on strengthening the team in the January window, Mr. Belokon remarked; 'I hope you're not saying we've got a bad bunch playing who are lacking ambition, because we certainly don't.'

'I do agree with you to some extent, new faces need to be brought in to make the squad stronger and better in order to get back to the heights we reached in the middle of last century.'

inally, a major talking point this season surrounded the Latvian-coloured Third Kit, inspired by the Latvian international colours. Well, Mr. Belokon assured fans that 'we're not going to make any changes, because the tangerine colour has become an integral part of Blackpool life.'

So there we have it, a very frank interview with the man behind the money at Bloomfield Road. A very important match at Bloomfield Road, hopefully in front of yet another bumper crowd, in the FA Cup 3th Round. A win and Blackpool could have a chance at facing the likes of Liverpool or Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United in the 4th Round, a major money-spinner...which you never know could pay for the South Stand to be built (okay, maybe not!).



At least we know the Tangerine home kit is staying, but who knows if the Maroon (or Latvian Pink to some...) Third Kit will be our Away kit next season...at Deepdale!

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