Blackpool had the support of home fans but still fell to Millwall in the match that decided the fate of the 2022/23 season. Zian Flemming’s late goal ended all hopes of the Bloomfield Road club.
Jerry Yates was in tears when the home team’s net shook for the third time in 75 minutes. He understood that Blackpool had no chance to stay in the Championship in the 2023/24 season.
After 45 matches, Blackpool has 41 points with a difference of -25, 3 points behind Huddersfield’s safe position. Even when in the final round, Blackpool won with a difference of 30 goals to equalize the difference and points with Huddersfield, they still had to play in League One.
The reason is that in the 46th and final round, Huddersfield (ranked 21 – 44 points) and Reading (ranked 22 – 43 points) will face off directly. Regardless of the outcome of the match, the team ranked 21st, meaning the relegation position will also have 45 points or more, while Blackpool can only win a maximum of 44 points.
Blackpool will return to the second division (League One) after 2 seasons playing in the Championship. Historically, the Bloomfield Road home club used to play in the Premier League in the 2010/11 season under the guidance of coach Ian Holloway. However, Charlie Adam and his teammates had to be relegated when only finishing the season in 19th place.
Meanwhile, Reading, Wigan, Huddersfield, Rotherham, QPR, Cardiff are still focusing on the final rounds in the hope of successful relegation.
In the top half of the table, Burnley, Sheffield have been promoted directly to the Premier League, while Luton, Middlesbrough are sure to attend the play-off.
