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Blackpool Football Club can trace its roots back to a church team, Victoria FC, founded in 1877.

When that club folded, several members founded Blackpool St John's FC, and played under that name until 1887, when the club was reformed and St John's was dropped from the name.

The new club played in the Lancashire League until 1896 when their application to join the Football League was accepted.

Merger with South Shore FC

In 1899, the club lost their League status after finishing third from bottom of Division Two.

They then merged with local rivals South Shore FC, and took over South Shore's Bloomfield Road ground. A year later they were re-admitted to Division Two.

The Tangerines

In the mid 1920s the club first adopted their famous tangerine shirts, reportedly after their manager had paid a visit to the Netherlands.

Promotion to Division One

In 1930 the club were promoted to the First Division, where they spent three seasons. In 1937, they were promoted once again, and this time would remain in the top flight for almost three decades.

The Golden Era

The years immediately following the war were the golden era for Blackpool Football Club. The club were regular challengers for the League title, and with players of the calibre of Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortenson.

The Matthews Final

They reached two FA Cup finals (1948 and 1951) before an epic victory over Bolton Wanderers in the 1953 "Matthews Final".

Sadly, they were not able to build on that success, as the abolition of the maximum wage meant clubs of modest means could no longer afford the big name players.

Relegation and Redemption

The "Tangerines" managed to hold on to their First Division status until 1967, after which they languished in Division Two for ten years, broken by a brief return to Division One in 1970. By 1981, they were in Division Four.

In 1987 the club was rescued from bankruptcy by millionaire estate agent, Owen Oyston, and although Oyston was jailed in 1996, his family have retained their interest and kept Blackpool Football Club afloat.

In 2001, they were promoted to Division Two (third tier) and in 2007 won promotion to The Championship.

Premier League Blackpool

After consolidating in the Championship, Blackpool confounded the pundits by winning promotion to the Premier League in 2009/10. This was achieved via a 3-2 win over Cardiff in a thrilling play-off final.

Their Premier League adventure lasted just one season though as they made a swift return to the Championship.

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