Blackpool boss aims to be ready for anything during the transfer window

The Seasiders have already completed one piece of transfer business this month with the extension of Dan Ballard’s loan deal from Arsenal.

Elsewhere, Nathan Shaw will spend the remainder of the campaign with National League North neighbours AFC Fylde.

Blackpool are unlikely to be too busy this month, with Critchley previously confirming the club would look to bring in one or two and move on a similar number.

The January window can often be unpredictable and Pool’s head coach says the club needs to be prepared for all eventualities.

“I wouldn’t say there’s anything imminent, but we’re always talking and we’re always looking,” Critchley said.

“We’re speaking regularly and we have to be prepared for anything and everything, whether it’s people approaching us or whether that’s us looking to see if we can improve the squad between now and the end of the window.

“I don’t think there will be massive changes during this window, but I’ll also be lying if I said we’ll be completely quiet.”

Blackpool will be pleased with their start to the transfer window, having worked quickly to keep Ballard at the club until the end of the season.

The defender first joined the Seasiders in October, shortly after turning 21, on a deal that was initially due to expire at the end of this month.

The Northern Ireland international has made 13 Blackpool appearances to date, seven of them in League One.

A combination of international call-ups, injury and suspension saw him miss almost all of Blackpool’s November fixtures, though he has started Pool’s last three League One matches.

Critchley, who revealed the discussions with Arsenal were fairly straightforward, is delighted to keep hold of the commanding centre-half.

“You’ve always got a chance when the player wants to stay and he’s happy at the club,” Critchley added.

“He’s settled into the squad and integrated himself with the rest of the team extremely well, so he feels like he’s part of things.

“He’s been playing and playing well and then you’re obviously hopeful that Arsenal continue to entrust you to look after him, which they have done.

“We’ve come to an agreement that was quite straightforward and I’m looking forward to seeing him develop even further in the second half of the season.”

The Seasiders take a break from league action today to take on Premier League side West Bromwich Albion in the third round of the FA Cup.

Pool welcome back Chris Maxwell and Matty Virtue after their recovery from Covid-19, but Luke Garbutt (abductor) and CJ Hamilton (hamstring) miss out.

Blackpool also returned two positive Covid-19 tests following a round of testing on Wednesday, although neither individual has been named.

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