Whilst it has been a very busy summer on the transfer front at Bloomfield Road, popular Latvian director Normunds Malnacs has been conspicuous by his absence, chairman Karl Oyston explains why, "Unfortunately Normunds has taken the decision to stand down from his role with Mr Belokon and as a director of the club, as you know he has a young family in Riga and he was finding it more and more difficult to split his time between Blackpool and his commitments in Latvia. I know that despite standing down as a director, he watched the Southampton game on Sky and is still very much a Blackpool supporter; he listens to the commentary on the website and he told me that he will be closely following the clubs progress and he will be coming to the odd game. I am sure the rest of the board and staff at the club will join me in thanking Normunds for his hard work and efforts over the last couple of years and we all wish him well in the future."

The Seasiders Latvian President Valery Belokon echoed Oyston's sentiments, "It was regrettable that Normunds took this decision, he was the right person for the club, however, I respect his decision and would like to express my gratitude and thanks for the work and time he has invested in the club and we all wish him and his family well in the future." Belokon also confirmed he is currently advertising in the former Soviet State for a candidate to replace the 39 year-old who took up position in August 2006.