Blackpool boss Neil Critchley planning for January transfer window

Neil Critchley has revealed Blackpool already have plans in place for next month’s transfer window.
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Following a hectic summer of transfer activity, which saw 17 players arrive and a further 21 move on, the Seasiders aren’t expecting a busy month when the window officially opens on January 1. Nevertheless, Critchley hasn’t ruled out potential ins and outs despite admitting the club’s business will be “minimal”.

“We plan ahead. We speak about those things all the time – we’d be foolish not to,” Pool’s head coach said.

Neil Critchley has revealed his approach to managing players who aren't in his sideNeil Critchley has revealed his approach to managing players who aren't in his side
Neil Critchley has revealed his approach to managing players who aren't in his side
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“For the last few weeks, we’ve been meeting as a staff and looking at potential ins and outs for January. We always plan for the future.

“We can’t do anything until January, so at the moment it’s a little bit ifs, buts and maybes, but those discussions are taking place.

“It certainly won’t be as busy as the last window. I know it was previous to me but obviously last January was very busy at the club as well (12 in, 12 out).

“I’m not anticipating anything anywhere near the volume of work in those two windows. Will there be some in and out? Possibly, yes, but I would have thought it would be minimal.”

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Away from the transfer window, Blackpool have another game to focus on tonight, with the visit of League One leaders Hull City to Bloomfield Road (7pm).

The Seasiders have no fresh injury concerns from the weekend draw against Oxford United, with Dan Ballard the only absentee.

The Arsenal loanee, who is currently out with a hamstring injury, could return for the trip to Accrington Stanley at the weekend.

Critchley added: “It’s tough at the moment. We’ve got a lot of players either fit or returning.

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“There are a few disappointed people in the squad at the moment but that’s football – you can’t keep everyone happy all the time.

“What they must do is remain professional, keep training as best as they can and wait for their opportunity to come.”

On how he manages players who are out of the squad, Critchley added: “It’s done on an individual basis and it depends on who that person is.

“It can be a quiet word, it can be in the office, sometimes you don’t speak to the player on purpose. Everyone is different.

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“You use your eyes, which everyone should do, because sometimes you have to watch, observe and you have to listen.

“By using your eyes and ears, the players can tell you a lot just by their body language.

“We make sure the players who are not playing are still training and I make sure I am present for all of those training sessions.

“We’re with them, we’re supporting them. If they keep working, we’ll keep working with them and we’ll match their energy and the situation will change, I’m sure it will.

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“They’ve got to keep competing and if they ever want to discuss anything with me, they know they can come and speak to me. I’d like to think I’m approachable.

“However, they might not always get the answer they want to hear and they must be prepared for that. Honesty is always the best policy.”

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