Disillusioned Karl Oyston resigns as Blackpool chairman
Published:Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has announced his resignation after just one match of the club’s first season in the Premier League.
Oyston cited his disillusionment with the influence of player agents in the Premier League as a reason for his decision.
The 43-year-old, who is the son of the club’s majority shareholder Owen Oyston, will stay on at Bloomfield Road as chief executive until a replacement is found.
Blackpool, who are huge 14/1 outsiders to win their next match away to Arsenal, have emphasised that Oyston’s departure will not affect their recruitment drive.
True to their word, the Seasiders are close to signing their eighth player of the summer, having had an improved bid accepted for Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman.
Pitman scored a hat-trick in Bournemouth’s 5-1 win against Peterborough last weekend, and the 22-year-old notched 28 goals as he helped the Cherries to promotion from League Two last season.
And having rejected a bid from Blackpool on Wednesday, Bournemouth have now allowed Pitman to discuss personal terms with the Premier League newcomers.
Blackpool are the 1/4 favourites to be relegated this season, though their 4-0 win at Wigan on the opening weekend will have silenced some of the doubters.
Oyston’s resignation, however, could prove to be a costly distraction for a club who have already had to contend with a summer of rumours about manager Ian Holloway leaving, hurried stadium redevelopment and a failure to sign a clutch of players.
Who else do you think could struggle this season? West Brom are 10/11 to be relegated. See the full Barclays Premier League Betting Odds market.
