Football Season Guide

Blackpool

In


Mackenzie Chapman (gk) Bolton Wanderers; Albie Morgan (mid) Charlton Athletic; Matthew Pennington (def) Shrewsbury Town; Kyle Joseph (att) Swansea City; Oliver Norburn (mid) Peterborough; Richard O'Donnell (gk) Rochdale.

Out


Luke Garbutt (def) Salford City; Chris Maxwell (gk) Huddersfield Town; Stuart Moore (gk) Morecambe; Curtis Nelson (def) Derby; Jordan Thorniley (def) Oxford United; Keshi Anderson (mid) Free Agent; Liam Bridcutt (mid) Free Agent; Harry Hughes (def) Free Agent; Reece James (def) Sheffield Wednesday; Bez Lubala (mid) Free Agent; Gary Madine (att) Free Agent; Jerry Yates (att) Swansea City; Kevin Stewart (mid) Free Agent.

Blackpool were disappointing last campaign. The Seasiders managed just eleven wins in the Championship, leading to a 23rd-placed finish that resulted in relegation down to League One. In the summer, the club look to bounce straight back to the Championship by appointing a new manager in the form of Critchley. Previously at QPR and Blackpool, the Tangerines will be hoping for good things from a man they trust. Chapman comes in as the starting goalkeeper and he'll be expected to make an instant impact. Pennington brings some experience to the dressing room, while signings like Norburn, Joseph and Morgan add some extra quality to the ranks. Losing striker Yates will hurt. The forward was a good source of goals for Blackpool last season. First-choice keeper Maxwell has departed. Defenders Nelson and Garbutt played bit-part roles last term. Both have gone. Several other bit-part players, including Madine, have headed through the exit door. High player turnover could potentially be a problem. Blackpool have released or sold many footballers this summer due to their relegation. New signings will need time to settle in and there's no guarantee in that regard. If Blackpool can get through the early struggles with good League One points on the board, this could be a dangerous side at the end of the season.

Target


Blackpool would love to push for an instant return back to the Championship. They're likely targeting a playoff position at the very least, though that may prove difficult in an extremely competitive league.