Blackpool boss can sometimes be spoiled for choice at Bloomfield Road

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley concedes having a limited number of players to choose from can bring its own benefits.
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The Seasiders’ squad has been depleted by a combination of Covid-19 and injuries in recent weeks, with as many as 10 first-team players missing for the recent 5-0 win against Wigan Athletic.

While those affected by Covid have now returned, having completed their periods of self-isolation, eight players were still missing for Pool’s midweek victory against Northampton Town.

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While it’s hoped a number of those players will be back involved for today’s game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, Pool’s head coach admits he can sometimes be spoiled for choice when having so many men available.

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has plenty of selection optionsBlackpool boss Neil Critchley has plenty of selection options
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has plenty of selection options

“It can be a good thing and a bad thing,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“Sometimes I have to make difficult decisions and it’s not easy leaving players out, however it’s about squad management.

“If you manage the players correctly in terms of their physical load, mentally as well, then you can gain an advantage from that.

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“I suppose it comes down to the relationships you have with the players as well. If there’s a respect there then, while they might not always agree, they can understand better the decisions you’re making.”

Critchley added: “I think what it also shows is how we’re getting our training and preparation right. If you prepare the players who are not in the team and get the right amount of training, when their opportunity arises they can be ready.

“I think we’ve shown through the course of the season that players who have stepped into the team have played well, which is not by accident. That comes down to the level of professionalism of the players who – when they’re not in the team – they don’t sulk or throw their toys out of the pram. They’re professional.

“When they get the respect from the staff in terms of how we train and prepare them, then that gives them the best opportunity to come in and play well and I think that’s been evident throughout the course of this season.

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“We’re going to need everyone because we’ve got such a busy schedule coming up. The window is now shut and this is the squad of players that can give us a really strong end to the season.”

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