Commons praise for Blackpool Premier League promotion

Blackpool Football Club's promotion to the Premier League has been given Parliamentary recognition.

The Labour MP for Blackpool South, Gordon Marsden, has tabled a Commons motion praising the club for its "inspirational achievement".

He also pays tribute to the "transformational leadership of manager Ian Holloway".

The Seasiders' beat Cardiff in the play-off final at Wembley to secure their place in the top flight.

Blackpool, which has one of the lowest average attendances in the Championship, last played in the top flight in 1971.

Tens of thousands of fans lined the resort's Golden Mile to welcome home the conquering team on Monday.

In his motion, the MP asks that "this House congratulates Blackpool Football Club on its inspirational achievement of promotion to the Premier League".

As well as paying tribute to the management of the club, Mr Marsden marks "the tremendous achievement of the club's players in returning Blackpool FC to the highest pinnacle of English football after 39 years".

He also praises the club for its consistent achievement working within the community and applauds its committment to the town and its regeneration.