The Blackpool problem involving ex-Bradford City and Crystal Palace man that feels like an answer to current issues - Opinion
Game time has been limited for Scott Banks at Blackpool in the past month.
Opinion: Scott Banks has the ability to be a major solution to Blackpool’s current problems - but a major headache must be overcome for that to happen.
Despite his time at Bloomfield Road being hit by injury, alongside a managerial change, the St. Pauli loanee has been able to demonstrate in moments what he’s capable of.
Under Steve Bruce it felt like a lot of hope was pinned on the 24-year-old’s ability out wide in a 4-4-2 formation, and having him available for a longer period might’ve bought the former head coach more time at the helm.
When the ex-Crystal Palace and Bradford City man made his return to action following a spell on the sidelines, it was initially under caretaker coach Stephen Dobbie - a few days before Ian Evatt was handed the permanent role.
The current Blackpool boss immediately implemented a wing-back system, which has offered a clearer structure than before.
This works in the favour of some players and their natural games, while others have some adapting to do, with Banks falling into the latter category.
Where does Banks fit in?
There’s two options for where the Scottish attacker could fit in under Evatt’s guidance.
The first is right wing-back. The pro of this, it would allow him to work down the line, and take players on - which, from what we’ve seen, he’s very good at.
He seems like someone who is fearless when it comes to running at the opposition, and has the quick feet to work his way inside.
The con of him playing wing-back is the defensive duties that come with the role. Whoever plays that role can’t be allowed too much freedom as there needs to be a degree of protection for the right-sided centre.
That role in general isn’t really perfect for others either, with CJ Hamilton also being a more attacking player, while Andy Lyons is probably stronger at the defensive side.
It feels as if that position is perfect for the returning Danny Imray - who has the right capabilities to make the position his own.
That would leave the more attacking role in the midfield three to test Banks.
Playing Josh Bowler there before his injury brought some improvement for the 26-year-old before his injury against Cardiff City, while it’s not worked out for Emil Hansson just yet.
There must be a reason that we’ve not seen why the latter has been preferred in the role, but it does feel like a roll of the dice that could benefit both Banks and the players around him.
Banks’ special moments
The reason why it feels important to fit the St. Pauli loanee in at the moment is because he’s got that moment of magic that his teammates don’t currently possess.
Without a great strike from Banks, it wouldn’t have been a winning start for Evatt away to Peterborough United.
He backed that up a few weeks later with a special goal against Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy.
It’s understandable in some ways why Banks hasn’t been starting, as there’s not a position that suits him in the current system, but Blackpool need to find a way to get him in.
He’s been brought off the bench too late at times, and should be the first man called upon when the team are struggling in attack - if he’s not in the XI.
Players are returning from injury, and if they immediately click then this argument could become weaker,
For now, it feels as if the Seasiders can’t waste having what could be an important attacking spark at their disposal.
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