Blackpool legend Brett Ormerod 'humbled, privileged and proud' to have room named in his honour at new supporters' bar

Gazette columnist Brett Ormerod has revealed his pride at having a room named in his honour at a new Blackpool supporters’ bar that opens this weekend.

The new venue, named after Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield, is housed on the site of the former Bar 1 pub just a stone’s throw away from Bloomfield Road.

The three-storey venue, which opens to the public on Saturday, features rooms named after Ormerod and former Blackpool manager Billy Ayre.

Ormerod, who famously scored in all four divisions for the Seasiders while netting the winning goal that promoted Blackpool to the Premier League in 2010, is delighted to be connected to the project.

“I was asked and I was very privileged, very humbled,” the 43-year-old told The Gazette.

“I got an email from one of the people involved, so I said ‘yes’ straight away and told them how brilliant it was.

“I’m very humbled by it and I’m looking forward to having a pint in there when I can!

“To have my name alongside the legends Jimmy Armfield and Billy Ayre, wow, I’m in very good company aren’t I?

“I’m not sure I belong in that company but it was great to be asked. It’s a very proud moment.”

It’s hoped the sports bar will be a venue where Seasiders can congregate before and after match days.

While fans aren’t currently able to attend games, supporters will still be able to access the bar on Saturday ahead of Blackpool’s home game against Lincoln City.

The organisers have invited the families of both Armfield and Ayre to attend the official opening of the bar, while Ormerod has also been asked to attend.

“The Armfield family have given their support and approval of the club, along with Billy Ayre’s family and Brett Ormerod who will both have rooms dedicated to them,” the organisers said.

“The Armfield family, the Ayre family and Brett have been invited to open the venue.

“We have also consulted with Blackpool Football Club and all supporter groups who have given it their full backing.

“We would like to thank the Armfield family for allowing us to use their name for this supporters’ club.

“Jimmy Armfield is a legend at Bloomfield Road and always will be. His statue proudly stands outside Bloomfield Road diagonally opposite the Armfield Club.”

To find out how you can purchase a season ticket or membership for the Armfield Club, visit their website at http://www.thearmfieldclub.co.uk

You can also find the venue on Twitter @ArmfieldClub, on Facebook by searching Armfield Club Blackpool and on Instagram at ArmfieldClub.