Blackpool boss reflects on their poor start to the season

Neil Critchley says his players are “hurting” at Blackpool’s worrying start to the new League One season.
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Saturday’s 4-1 humbling at the hands of Ipswich Town made it four defeats from their opening five league games, leaving them third from bottom in the table.

The Seasiders found themselves 3-0 down at the interval following a nightmare 45 minutes, Luke Chambers, Gwion Edwards and Teddy Bishop the men to score Ipswich’s goals.

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Pool did eventually restore a little bit of pride in the second half, Gary Madine pulling a goal back with a scrambled effort before Edwards put the game to bed 10 minutes from time with his second of the afternoon.

Saturday was another frustrating day for Neil CritchleySaturday was another frustrating day for Neil Critchley
Saturday was another frustrating day for Neil Critchley

After suffering such a disappointing first half, Critchley opted to focus on the positives – his side at least showing a bit of fight in the second period.

“I think it was really important we showed who we are as a group in the second half, showed we’re hurting – and I thought we did that,” Pool’s head coach said.

“We said ‘It’s 0-0 and we need to try and win the second half, that’s our aim. We win the second half’.

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“If we get one back and it goes to 3-1, then who knows? I thought our response was excellent, the players gave everything, pressing forward and were very aggressive.

“They showed real belief. We got lots of balls into the box and it just didn’t quite fall for us in the penalty box. It did for one goal, but not quite on other occasions.

“The players are hurting in there because they maybe feel they’re not quite getting what they deserve at the moment.

“But we have to stick together, we have to work hard and remain positive and that’s what we’ll do next week leading up to the Crewe game.”

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With such a young squad, it will be pivotal in the coming days that Critchley and his backroom staff are able to lift the mood and confidence levels.

The Seasiders certainly have no time to feel sorry for themselves with five games still to be played during the remainder of October in what is a packed schedule.

When asked if he has any concern over whether or not he’ll be able to lift his players’ heads, Critchley said: “Not when they played how they did in the second half.

“If I saw a group of players that were despondent with their heads down and not fighting for each other then I’d be concerned, but I definitely didn’t see it.

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“I remain positive and I look at that group of players and think we’re going to be okay.”

Blackpool head to Gresty Road next weekend to take on a Crewe side that have won three games on the bounce in all competitions.

Dave Artell’s side beat Wigan Athletic 3-0 at the weekend to elevate themselves up to 13th in the league table.