It’s an exciting time to be a Blackpool supporter with the gloom of the last few years clearing rapidly.

We quiz FLW writer Gary Hutchinson on their current situation going into the new season with everything changing quickly.

Why such excitement this summer?

“After years of tyrannical ownership that the supporters believed was killing the club, they’ve finally got an owner they respect.

“Owen Oyston and his son Karl have been hated figures around Bloomfield Road for years now. The fans had a self-imposed boycott to adhere to last season, meaning the ground was often empty and soulless.

“Circumstances have now progressed to a point where a new owner has taken over, Blackpool fan Simon Sadler, and the Tangerine Army have been quick to return to the terraces.”

What else has changed?

“They have a new manager too; Simon Grayson. He was a key part of their rise towards the Premier League but left to take over at Leeds United.

“He replaces Terry McPhillips, a man who simply didn’t want to be manager anymore. A lot of respect must go to McPhillips for steering them to tenth in the table last season, especially with all the negativity around the club.

“He did remarkably well. Grayson has a lot to live up to as his last two posts, at Sunderland and Bradford, have dented his reputation a little.”

Have they made a standout signing?

“Ryan Hardie is the one fans will have a lot of hope for. He’s arrived from Glasgow Rangers on a permanent deal and will likely spearhead their attack with last season’s leading scorer Armand Gnanduillet.

“Hardie is young and has had successful loan spells with SPFL clubs in the past, so is hoping to emulate the success of Jayden Stockley at Exeter in becoming prolific in the EFL.”

Who else has come in?

“Jamie Devitt is a player who should get pulses racing. He was excellent for Carlisle last season and has goals and assists in his locker. He’ll look to add some creativity behind the frontman or front two depending on how Grayson chooses to set his side up.

“Ryan Edwards joins too; he played 36 times for Plymouth in League One last season and has the right level of experience to be a key player.

“Adi Yussuf is something of an unknown quantity. He’s been in the Football League before with Mansfield but arrived after dropping into the National League with Solihull Moors. He’ll add pace late on in games but is unlikely to start.”

Are there any negatives?

“Some fans might like to have seen Charlie Adam come back after he was spotted at a game recently, but he’s wound up at Reading.

“They’re also braced for bids coming in for a couple of their star players. Curtis Tilt has been a rock at the back in recent seasons but he’s attracting a lot of attention.

“Former Arsenal man Marc Bola had a great season after leaving the Gunners last summer and he’s also a player in demand.”

How will they do this season?

“It's all-change at Blackpool, a brave new era beckons.

"Given their finish of tenth last season, they should be a decent prospect this time out. If Hardie delivers goals and they can hang on to those two key players, there isn’t a solid reason they can’t be around the top six again.

“Much depends on Grayson. He didn’t come out of the Sunderland debacle with much credit, nor did his time at Bradford add to his reputation.

“Both clubs were in turmoil though and he’ll be hoping for redemption just as much as the fans who have waited so long to get rid of Owen Oyston.”