Blackpool boss rules out any return for former striker

Neil Critchley has ruled out bringing Armand Gnanduillet back to Blackpool.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The striker is now a free agent after leaving his Turkish club earlier in the week just four months after joining.

The 28-year-old was offered a new contract to remain at Bloomfield Road at the end of last season after finishing the campaign as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals from 36 games in all competitions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Frenchman opted to seek pastures new, eventually joining Turkish Second Division side Altay SK despite previously harbouring hopes of moving to a club in the Championship.

Former Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet doesn't seem likely to be returning to the clubFormer Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet doesn't seem likely to be returning to the club
Former Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet doesn't seem likely to be returning to the club

However, the move has not panned out as expected with Gnanduillet scoring just two goals from his 15 appearances, most of which came off the bench.

The striker, who has opted to part ways with the club, posted a video to his Instagram page on Tuesday from inside a plane landing at Manchester Airport.

It’s also been reported by Turkish media outlets that Gnanduillet is keen to return to England.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Reacting to his departure, Critchley told The Gazette: “I read about it on Wednesday, but I don’t know the ins and outs of it.

“It’s not worked out for Armand which is a shame for him, but I don’t know why it hasn’t worked out.

“I don’t know what his thoughts or his plans are for the future.

“Armand wanted to leave in the summer and we wished him all the best, but it’s not worked out for him at the moment, so hopefully he can find somewhere that can make him happy and somewhere where he can play his football for the second half of the season.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When asked if Blackpool would be interested in bringing him back, Critchley added: “No, I don’t think so. Armand wanted to leave, he was out of contract, so I think that ship has sailed now.”

Gnanduillet first joined the Seasiders in the summer of 2016 after spending time with Chesterfield, Tranmere Rovers, Oxford United, Stevenage and Leyton Orient.

He helped the club seal an instant return to League One in his first season, scoring a vital header during the play-off semi-final second leg against Luton Town.

He briefly left the Fylde coast in 2018 to sign for South African outfit Baroka FC, only to return to Bloomfield Road two months later.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Baroka failed to register the Frenchman, having already exceeded their foreign player quota.

Gnanduillet enjoyed his most prolific season to date during the 2017/18 campaign, scoring 14 times.

He went one better last term, topping Blackpool’s scoring charts with 15 league goals which saw him sit joint second in the list of League One’s top marksmen.

His impressive form attracted the attention of Charlton Athletic during the January transfer window after the Addicks had come close to signing him the previous summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gnanduillet left the club having netted 43 times in 145 games for the Seasiders.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here