Opinion: Blackpool seemingly got it right early and didn't need hectic Deadline Day
Blackpool added eight new players to their ranks throughout the summer transfer window.
Opinion: We’ll only know for sure in nine months time if this transfer window has been a success - but on paper Blackpool have done some good business.
Some really good players with proven records have arrived at Bloomfield Road, and they have seemingly identified exactly what was required.
Now admittedly, just over a year ago, things felt similar. The Seasiders had added some real quality, but the season simply didn’t work out for the team as a whole.
The marquee additions have been plagued by injuries, and haven’t really enjoyed an extended run to show their worth in Tangerine yet.
Some remain on the sidelines now, but could feel like new signings once they make their comebacks.
Other problems were in play on the Fylde Coast at the start of last season, and things feel a lot more together this time around.
You’d probably have to be picky to highlight a department that’s truly short now. Maybe another natural centre back option could’ve been added or someone else for the midfield, but on the whole there’s more than enough to get through until January at the least.
Defensively, Jordan Williams has done a good job in the back three so far, and has allowed Josh Bowler to enjoy some freedom down the right side.
This is an area that could be targeted by opposition teams going forward, and could be a potential weakness to be exploited, but at the moment it’s certainly a strength.
Williams may be moved forward to the wing-back role once Michael Ihiekwe and Fraser Horsfall are available, but for now he looks the part next to Casey.
Josh Earl has also arrived to play on the left of the three, and appeared to tick a few boxes on his debut. A few more games will be required to pass a verdict on the ex-Barnsley man, but considering Zac Ashworth had started the season well, that could be a decent battle.
The most important signing of the window came in the centre of the park, and was a man already known to the Seasiders.
That was Karoy Anderson - who could be the glue that keeps everything together. The 21-year-old had looked good towards the end of his loan spell from Charlton Athletic last term, but has appeared to have reached another level at the start of the current campaign.
The wide areas have also been boosted. Ilmari Niskanen had a strong individual season with Exeter City, and seems like a reliable figure for Evatt to call upon, while Finley Munroe is an exciting youngster and comes with a good reference from Ian Holloway.
Finally, goals galore has been added to the attack - if players can replicate their past good form.
From last summer, Niall Ennis and Dale Taylor are both capable of getting double figures at this level, but have been unstuck by injury.
Meanwhile, Tom Bloxham has developed nicely since his move to the Fylde Coast 18 months ago.
With that in mind, Blackpool probably only went into the market looking for one new striker, and it seemed as if that was Dion Charles.
While the Northern Ireland international had struggled at Huddersfield Town, he had a proven League One record - especially under Evatt at Bolton Wanderers.
A mixture of injuries to others prompting the need for action, alongside an opportunity that was too good to turn down, the Seasiders brought Jerry Yates back to Bloomfield Road last week.
Beyond footballing reasons, this was a no-brainer just because of the sheer impact it has across the board.
On the pitch, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be a cheat code. While the 29-year-old may have struggled to find a settled home since his initial Fylde Coast exit in 2023, his goal scoring touch has never left him.
With that done early doors, it left nothing urgent for Blackpool to do on Deadline Day.
It was a slow window at times, but the Seasiders’ business was done efficiently, and perhaps has gone under the radar.
Even the swiftness of replacing back-up goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli with Luke Southwood was to be admired.
You never know anything for certain in football, but it does feel like a positive shift has taken place at Bloomfield Road.