Stanley Mathews himself received numerous accolades during his long and distinguished career. He was the first footballer to be awarded a knighthood, and indeed the only one ever to have been knighted while still playing football. He was the first player to be voted Football Writer's Footballer of the year (1948) , and he was also the first European Footballer of the year(1956.) His England career spanned nearly 23 years, which is longer than any other player and he made his final appearance in 1957 at the age of 42 making him the oldest footballer to play for England. Stanley Mathews continued playing until he was 50 years old, his last game being in the English First Division for Stoke City the club he played for before moving to Blackpool.

The 1953 Final was the Blackpool's third in the space of six years and they were also extremely successful in the First Division, although they never quite succeeded in winning the championship. In addition, the club were well represented at international level - in 1953 Blackpool provided four of the England team that faced the great Hungarian side in an historic match at Wembley. The club's most successful league campaign was 1955-1956 when they finished in second position behind Manchester United. As well as Mathews and Mortenson, the list of distinguished former Blackpool Players includes Jimmy Armfield, Glyn James, Alan Ball, Emlyn Hughes, Ernie Taylor, Ray Charnley, Tony Green, Wyn Davies and many others. Altogether Blackpool have contributed some 35 players to the various international teams. Blackpool currently play in the Championship in a season which is considered to hold much promise for the club.

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