YOU'VE bought the season ticket, obligatory scarf and replica shirt, you're even thinking about travelling all the way to Luton on Saturday - now all you need is to sign up with the Blackpool Supporters Association and you can call yourself a true Seasiders fan.

Formerly an independent group of fans, the association is now affiliated to the club with its own committee and liaison officer after voting to take up Karl Oyston's invitation.

As chairman Francis Charlesworth explained: "There were a number of changes at the club with Karl Oyston taking over and there were some very positive vibes around the place.

"We felt it was the right time to get more involved with the supporters aspect as it's been 15 to 20 years since we last had an official club.

"Previously, fans had grievances but no way to voice them. We can provide that medium.

"As supporters, we play just as important a role as anyone else.

"We can't pick the team and don't have a say in who comes here or for how much, but we are the club's customers and we can help in promoting and developing it.

"If we can get a good strong supporters base then we can have more of a say." Meetings are held at the No1 Club on Bloomfield Road before most Saturday home games and activities range from a football-based bingo game to awarding player of the year trophies.

Coach travel to away matches can be arranged, while close season events are also held.

"We've just had a five-a-side tournament featuring other supporters clubs from the likes of Chelsea and Chester," said Francis.

"Ironically, we ended up winning our own trophy."

This is all in keeping with BSA's stance of linking up with other associations, as well as exiled Blackpool fans in London and the West Midlands.

All are welcomed when their team visits Bloomfield Road and are encouraged to bring their families and mix as a way of making the game more friendly.

And so the youngsters don't feel left out, there's a junior supporters club just for them.

Exchange visits, football matches and a host of events are just a few of the attractions.

Anyone interested in joining can pick up membership forms at the club shop or see any of the committee members during the meetings.

Don't forget to send your questions for Karl Oyston to answer via the Citizen.

Keep them short and send them to: Citizen Newsdesk, St Annes Buildings, Clifton Drive North, St Annes FY8 2NA, fax on 723283 or e-mail nwilcock@voyager.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.