man-of-raisin

Just thought I would let you know that the target of £20k has been reached Thanks to all Saints fans who helped in any way. On the subject of libel, I have to be careful what I say, but the fund organiser has been on the radio. He acknowledged that what Frank said was wrong, but that the punishment did not fit the crime. I think that this is the driving force behind the campaign - the comments were made to 34 Facebook friends. I'm sure you can appreciate that the situation at the club has caused some heated opinions, not least those from Karl Oyston himself which has resulted in FA charges. Yes, defamation needs to have consequences, but let's make them reasonable and not an opportunity for vindictive payback. Regardless of the rights or wrongs, it's been really heartening to see the 'football family' rallying round. An awful situation has been turned into what we see as a spectacular own goal for the Oystons. I would say more about them but Saint IQ has summed it up nicely. Cheers!

Could you please check the mail which the site receives through the Contact Us link please. Thanks.

Sorry, couldn't reply before now due to site posting restrictions Firstly, have seen that at least one Southampton can has contributed, thanks so much for that. I don't know what frank said, and if I did it would be libel to post it! it's described as a 'passionate rant' on the gofundme page. He's a well known and longstanding critic of the Oystons It is suggested that, like the (now former) chairman of the Blackpool Supporters Trust, who had to pay £10k on top of his own £12k legal fees, he was targeted

Exactly. Say, I'm rich and you see me doing something illegal. You post it, I sue you. You now have to PROVE that I did it. Can you actually prove it, even if it did happen? My legal team get to work on you, can you afford to fight it and potentially end up ruined?

That's correct. I understand the Oystons were claiming a much larger amount plus presenting their large legal costs if it went to court. The health of himself and his wife was affected, he couldn't afford to continue and settled.

Frank Knight is a pensioner being forced to pay £20k for allegedly libelous comments he made regarding the Oystons on his Facebook page which has 34 friends. This is simple bullying, as people like Frank cannot afford to risk taking such a case to court because the chances of losing, no matter how small, would ruin their entire lives beyond repair. His legal costs to date are £10k+ The Guardian article below contains further details and a link to a justfundme page http://www.gofundme.com/s5bbb8r http://www.theguardi...urt-online-post The fund has received £6k in 24 hours which is a fantastic effort from football fans. Please donate whatever you can, small or large, and if possible add a little comment so Frank can see the support he has got all over the football league. If you could share this or even make it a sticky that would be very much appreciated

Tony Parkes brought Brett back to us in rather strange circumstances from our neighbours and dearest friends two years ago. Grayson left us in a mess as he used masses of loans who went back in January after he left. Most thought Brett was a panic move, and that he'd spoil his Blackpool legacy but he surprised us and we stayed up. He had a great season last year, topped off with the Wembley winner. Sadly, this season's been a step too far for him, would be nice for him to get a goal though, he's the only player to turn out for us in all four divisions. Got a good payout from the £5m promotion pot, and he's allegedly spent about £3.70 of it. And his dad still won't watch him live.

Thanks for all your comments. Interesting. Grayson and Parkes made a point of saying they would only sign good characters, whereas Ollie has a signed a few alleged big heads and wrong 'uns (e.g. Bouazza). Guess he reckons he can sort anyone out, but doesn't always work (e.g. Bouazza) Hopefully we get the good Puncheon and the dressing room will sort out any god-complexes. Regarding Beattie, someone rather cruelly said the signing was good news for anyone still playing Championship Manager 2003. Nice to hear you saying good things about Brett, he's not managed to cut it this season but will always be a legend. Leeds fans a good laugh about us signing Crainey, but he's been great for us. Euell, er, well ... seems like a nice guy when I bump into him at the local supermarket. Got to say I fear we'll struggle to scrap out the four or so wins we need and you might be on for a dirty weekend next season. Thanks again.

Hello lads, Blackpool fan. What's the story and what's he like? Cheers.

Well done lads ... it was a stronger 'pool side than I was expecting and credit is due for beating it ... as some have rightly said, it highlights a real lack of depth in the 'pool squad. I also think the 'first team' is going to have a difficult second half of the season.

On the issue of the team, this will be a weaker team than was played versus Villa, and at Villa there were first choices on the bench. On the issue of Cup versus league, you have to remember the situation. The premiership money delivered a new stand to make the ground four-sided. It will also deliver a decent training ground. At the moment the training ground is no different to that which Matthews trained on ... during the recent cold weather, the players had to try the beach as there is no indoor facility. The whole infrstructure is lower league. The stakes for staying in the prem are too high to risk for the outside chance of a trophy. My view is that the team selection for Villa was a mistake as there was a real chance of getting something from a weak Villa side, but almost no-one is arguing against Ollie's approach for this. The team will try to play in the same style as the first team, but it relies on the accuracy of passing from the likes of Adam and Vaughan, and the energy of those upfront (e.g. Varney, Campbell) to pull the defence out of position, which you just aren't going to see tomorrow.

Blackpool wanted lower prices, was made public at the time.

Blackpool board not arsed

I think Ollie will play the groundsman if he can get away with it. local paper

Hi, Blackpool fan. Some interesting views on here. Personally, not a bad draw for you guys at all - home and very winnable as some of you have said. Ollie is likely to make a lot of changes, like at Villa, which weakens the side from our perspective ... but they still try to play the same way so you should see a good open game. General opinion on our site was a bad draw for us. Every chance of a defeat, and a long way to go as well, so don't expect a good turnout from us ... possibly less than 1,000. Cheers.