Blackpool boss hopes his mood improves further with Leeds United victory

Neil Critchley’s mood will go from “content” to “thrilled” if his Blackpool players continue their recent revival and seal qualification to the knockout stage of the EFL Trophy.
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The Seasiders head into tonight’s third and final group game against Leeds United’s Under-21s on the back of three straight wins.

With Blackpool now in the top half of the League One table and through to the second round of the FA Cup, the mood around the club has been lifted after their shaky start.

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When asked if his own mood has changed, Critchley said: “I’ll be thrilled after Wednesday night if we win, I’m only content at the moment.

Blackpool head coach Neil CritchleyBlackpool head coach Neil Critchley
Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley

“This is another important game for us. We’ve won three games on the bounce and we want that momentum to continue.

“Winning becomes a habit and it’s a really good habit to get into. We want to qualify and get through and if we do, then I will be thrilled.”

Tonight’s game comes off the back of a hectic schedule that has seen the Seasiders play seven games in just 22 days.

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Critchley’s side has a welcome break this weekend, with the next game coming against league leaders Peterborough United on Saturday, November 21.

“This game comes at the end of a real intense period for us,” Critchley said.

“Through that period of games we’ve played a lot of them unfortunately with 10 men and nine men, which puts an even greater load on some of your players.

“We’re conscious of the players that have been playing lots of football and this little break at the weekend will come at a really important time.”

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Despite being without eight players for their last two outings, Blackpool have coped well with their injuries, suspensions and Ben Woodburn’s positive Covid-19 test.

When asked if Blackpool have the squad to cope with the busy schedule, Critchley said: “I hope so.

“That’s why we recruited in the summer and recruited a certain type of player, a certain profile and we now hope we’re going to get a few players back in the next week or 10 days.

“You always need some luck and we were just looking at the fixture list, after the Peterborough game it’s absolutely relentless.

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“If we beat Leeds and get through in the EFL Trophy then we’re playing every midweek right up until Christmas and beyond.

“We’re going to need some luck in terms of injuries and suspensions.

“We’ve not quite had that in the last two or three weeks but if we get through this period and get some players back then I’m confident we’ve got a good squad in terms of depth and quality that can attack all competitions this season.”

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