Saturday 29th December 1962

Blackpool were due to meet Blackburn Rovers in a First Division Lancashire ‘derby’ match, Blackburn were sitting in mid-table but Blackpool were slowly edging towards the bottom four positions of the Division, and by January 5th, 1963, Pool were third from bottom with 18 points from 22 matches and Manchester City were also level on points but had a better goal average. Like many of the matches that particular day, it fell foul of the bad weather conditions, and when the match eventually took place on 23rd April 1963, the Seasiders defeated Rovers by 4-1with goals from Charnley, McPhee and Quinn (2). Blackpool finished in 13th position, Manchester City together with Leyton Orient were relegated.

Dave Bamber 1976

Made his full League debut for the club against Chester City on 29 December 1979 when he "made an encouraging League debut before he tired" as Blackpool lost 1-0.

Scott Vernon 2007

Started against Colchester United on 29 December 2007 and scored twice in the first half to give Blackpool a 2-0 victory. His first goal came after 26 minutes when "Gary Taylor-Fletcher burst down the right and laid the ball cleverly into the path of Vernon. The striker pirouetted like a ballet dancer and smashed a rising left-foot drive past Gerkin from 10 yards." His second goal was after 36 minutes and came from "a long Rachubka punt" that "Defender Adam Virgo misjudged a header, Morrell latched onto the loose ball and whipped in a right-footed cross which Vernon just about bundled into an unguarded net at the back post." Vernon later commented, "I found out I was going to start in the hotel, just before we left for the ground. We had the team talk there and it was a shock to me that I was playing because I've not featured much of late. But obviously I was happy to step in and I'm happy to have three goals from the last two games I've played in. I just hope that the team can keep going and continue to climb up the league and I'm sure whoever plays against Burnley will be trying their best to make that happen." Of his goals he said, "It was an extra buzz getting my goals with Colchester being my old team. I know nearly all the players and the manager and when I found out I was playing I was relishing it. The first goal I managed to shout to Taylor-Fletcher to pull it back and fortunately he heard me. I swivelled on the ball and got a good connection and it was nice to see it go in. I was even more relieved to see the second go in because I thought I'd missed it for a moment. It hit the post and went in. It was good work by Andy Morrell down the right to get the ball into me. After scoring two goals early. I was desperate to go on and score a third and get a hat-trick. I chased it but never really go another chance, thought I'll happily take the two." As for the forthcoming derby with Burnley he remarked, "I'd like to think I've done enough to keep the shirt. I don't think I have done myself any harm with the two goals at Colchester but then again this is football and you never know what will happen. But I would honestly be gutted if I wasn't playing against Burnley. Myself and Andy Morrell thought we played well together at Colchester. Obviously Ben Burgess has been playing well and I feel a bit sorry for him because the gaffer decided rest him. But you have to take your chance when it comes along and I think I did that. I'm pleased because it has been a real frustrating period for me. I've been on the bench but I've not really been coming on. I managed to get a few minutes and score against Coventry and maybe that helped get me a game at Colchester."

BLACKPOOL ON THIS DAY

Blackpool Football Club On This Day chronicles, in diary form, the major events in the Seasiders long and colourful history.

Full of fascinating daily facts and trivia about Blackpool FC's glorious history and colourful tradition that has been compiled and researched by a passionate Seasider fan Peter Gillatt an online fans site editor since 1996.

"This book is, therefore, an ideal opportunity for both me and all Blackpool Supporters to recall events in the clubs history." "Jimmy Armfield OBE, CBE"

Blackpool - On This Day is available now at £6.99 from Amazon and also from Waterstone's, HMV, WHSmiths, signed copies are only available from the Stripe Publishing bookshop on eBay.