Blackpool boss Neil Critchley wants a final friendly before League One kick-off

The Seasiders will begin competitive action this Saturday, when they make the trip to the Championship club’s bet365 Stadium for their first-round clash.

The fixture, originally scheduled to take place on September 5, has been brought forward a week because of Stoke’s international call-ups.

Blackpool were scheduled for a final pre-season friendly at Oldham Athletic this Saturday but that game no longer takes place.

It means Pool currently have no game scheduled for September 5 but head coach Neil Critchley says the club are hoping to change that.

“We’re looking at that, yes,” he told The Gazette. “We now have a free Saturday, so we’ll look to do something.

“I think it’s important to keep playing and to keep that rhythm, so September 5 has been highlighted to possibly get a game.”

The Seasiders will be in action on Tuesday 8, when they host David Dunn’s Barrow in their first EFL Trophy group game.

The teams met in a Bloomfield Road friendly last week, when Pool won 2-1 with goals from Jordan Thorniley and Matty Virtue.

The League One season begins on September 12, when Blackpool visit Plymouth Argyle, with the second round of the Carabao Cup scheduled for the following Wednesday.

The Seasiders will host Richie Wellens’ Swindon Town in the first league game at Bloomfield Road on September 19 before making another mammoth journey to Gillingham to following weekend.

“The longest trip up first – it’s nice to get that one out of the way,” Critchley joked.

“Plymouth are a good footballing team and enjoyed a very successful season last time out with their promotion.

“I expect it to be a very good footballing game when we go down there.

“It’s a tough start away from home. Ideally you’d prefer to be at home but we’re away and the excitement starts to build when you see the fixtures come out.

“I’m sure everyone feels that with the football season being upon us, it would just be nice to share it with the supporters.

“Playing Everton on Saturday, I’m sure the stadium would have been nearly full and they would have thoroughly enjoyed the game.”