A new Sky documentary will chronicle Blackpool FC's dramatic rise to the Premier League and the subsequent fan revolt against the club's former owners. The one-hour film, titled 'Don’t F*** With Fans', is scheduled to premiere on Sky Documentaries and the streaming service NOW on 21 November.
The feature focuses on the club's historic 2010 promotion under manager Ian Holloway, which triggered a reported £90 million financial windfall. It will also examine the deteriorating relationship between the club's supporters and the Oyston family, who controlled the club during this period. The documentary includes interviews with former chairman Karl Oyston, his father Owen Oyston, and ex-manager Ian Holloway, alongside former players and fans.
Documentary production team
Sky Studios commissioned the 60-minute film, which was produced by South Shore Productions. Director James Newton, a three-time BAFTA award-winner, helmed the project. Executive producers are Andrew Mackenzie-Betty and Kevin Sutcliffe. The film was commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones for Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz, with Hayley Reynolds as head of documentary commissioning and Jo Hughes as the commissioning editor.
Hayley Reynolds said the team was thrilled to bring what she described as a brilliantly British story to Sky. Reynolds stated the film goes far beyond football, weaving together family drama, community spirit and a very public battle over club ownership that remains relevant. She added that with candid testimony from all sides, the film allows those at the heart of the dispute to tell their side of an extraordinary chapter in Blackpool’s history.
Current context for the club
The documentary's release comes as Blackpool handle a challenging season in League One. The club currently sits 19th in the <a href="/standings">league table</a> with 12 points from 12 games. Blackpool's last outing was a 1-1 draw away at Sheffield Wednesday on 1 November, with Jerry Yates scoring an 81st-minute equaliser. Their next match is a key <a href="/fixtures">away fixture</a> against 18th-placed AFC Wimbledon on 14 November. The club's current position, 17 points behind leaders Huddersfield Town, shows the contrast between past highs and present struggles that the documentary seeks to explore. The film 'Don’t F*** With Fans' premieres on Sky Documentaries and NOW on 21 November.
More detail at broadcastnow.co.uk
