Blackpool supporters have taken a giant leap towards removing one of the most unpopular owners in football history.
Owen Oyston's tumultuous reign at Bloomfield Road, spanning three decades, ended after court-appointed receivers took control of the Seasiders on Wednesday night.
The 85-year-old, a convicted rapist, was forced to relinquish power on a dramatic day at London's High Court.
Oyston still owes former director Valeri Belokon £25million following an 'unfair prejudice' case in 2017 and Justice Marcus Smith appointed insolvency firm David Rubin and Partners to force through a sale.
A representative for Belokon told Sportsmail: 'Mr Belokon expresses his hope that this will herald a new chapter in the proud history of a prestigious club.
'The application was a ground-breaking one in the football industry, with the judge confirming that it was in the interests of justice for the appointment to be made.
'It potentially marks a watershed moment for Blackpool and its loyal fanbase.'
Blackpool, eighth in League One, now run the risk of a 12-point deduction after the club unprecedentedly entered receivership. The EFL will meet on March 6 to discuss whether that should come to pass.
Given that all football-related assets are being discharged, it raises the possibility of Oyston's eviction from his penthouse apartment at one corner of the club's stadium.
There was amusement and bemusement in equal measure on Wednesday, noticeably from Justice Smith, when a lawyer for Oyston claimed Blackpool beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday. They drew 1-1.
Blackpool Supporters' Trust are expected to meet with the receivers before the weekend. Their spokesman, Tim Fielding, said: 'It's a momentous day. From my perspective it's more important than promotion to the Premier League.'
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