Blackpool FC deadline day: Matt Scrafton gives his verdict on what business could be done

Blackpool have until the close of play this evening to finalise their business, with deals between English domestic clubs still permitted.

The Seasiders have already been incredibly active in the market this summer, bringing in 15 new players and moving on a further 20.

Can Blackpool fans expect to see a dramatic deadline day for their club? Or will it be a bit of a damp squib?

Neil Critchley was asked that very question by The Gazette yesterday and the club’s head coach opted to remain tight-lipped, giving little away.

“We’re working like we were on the first day of the window, we’re still working up until the last day of the window,” he said.

“If we think there are people who can still improve our squad and it falls into our salary cap etc, then yes we’ll be looking at that.”

With one spot still remaining in Blackpool’s 22-man squad, the likelihood is the club will be aiming to fill it before the window closes.

However, further spaces could well emerge if other players are to head out, something which can’t be ruled out.

Teddy Howe has yet to feature in the league this season and hasn’t even been included in any match-day squads, his one and only appearance coming in the EFL Trophy game against Barrow.

Fellow defender Jordan Thorniley, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future having also failed to play a single minute of Pool’s opening five league games.

The centre-back did play the full 90 minutes in last week’s EFL Trophy game against Accrington, impressing with a solid performance.

However, he was then left on the bench for last week’s 4-1 league defeat against Ipswich Town despite James Husband missing out through suspension and new signings Daniel Gretarsson and Dan Ballard both unavailable.

Critchley instead opted to play right-back Ollie Turton in the middle alongside Marvin Ekpiteta.

The Seasiders are also keen to move on Jamie Devitt, who remains out of favour having been frozen out of Blackpool’s squad.

The 30-year-old, who hasn’t been handed a shirt number, has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club despite signing during the summer of 2019.

Barrow and Newport County became the latest clubs to be linked with his signature over the weekend after the likes of Carlisle United, Tranmere Rovers and Bolton Wanderers had previously been mentioned alongside him.

It can’t be ruled out, however, that no deal comes to fruition and Devitt opts to stay at Bloomfield Road and see out the remainder of his contract - leaving Blackpool paying a player who they won’t be utilising, a situation they’ll be desperate to avoid.

In terms of potential incomings, Critchley - whenever asked about what position he wants to add to - says he’s looking “across the board”.

This probably ought to be taken with a pinch of salt though.

With four defenders in total arriving in the past couple of weeks in the form of Gretarsson, Ballard, Jordan Gabriel and Luke Garbutt, it’s likely to be further up the pitch in midfield and in attack where the club will be targeting new signings.

Pool were recently linked with a move for former Aston Villa midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes, but reportedly face competition from the likes of Portsmouth, Hull City, Doncaster Rovers and MK Dons.

It was later reported that Scottish side Hibernian and Championship duo Stoke City and QPR had also joined the chase for the free agent.

Given Blackpool’s troubles in front of goal, they’ve only scored six goals in eight games in all competitions, there’s a good chance they’ll also be looking to bolster their forward department.

Blackpool did the bulk of their business early on, making a hectic final day of the deadline fairly unlikely - even when you take their poor start to the season into account.

It’s more likely to be a case of tweaking and attempting to pull off a final deal or two to add the finishing touches.