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

Cast your minds back to this time last year, when a hectic window ended in typically hectic fashion as the Seasiders completed the double signing of Ben Garrity and Teddy Howe.

With Curtis Tilt also heading out the exit door to join Rotherham United, that meant Blackpool finished January by making 12 additions and moving on a further 12 players.

Following another frantic summer of business (17 in, 21 out), there was no need for another major overhaul this time around.

Up to now, we’ve seen the Seasiders bring in just two new players in Ellis Simms - joining on loan from Everton - and Kevin Stewart arriving on a free transfer.

Dan Ballard, meanwhile, extended his loan deal until the end of the season.

Heading out have been Jamie Devitt - who had his contract cancelled by mutual consent to free him up for a permanent switch to Barrow - and Ryan Hardie, who made his loan move at Plymouth Argyle into a permanent move.

Nathan Shaw extended his loan spell at AFC Fylde at the beginning of the month, only to be recalled last week due to the suspension of the National League North campaign.

But the question is: what further business could be completed today?

We know Critchley and the club are still scouring for players, Pool’s head coach has admitted as much over the past couple of weeks. But will it be a case of having to move others on to free up space?

A League Two side have supposedly enquired about MJ Williams' availability, which is one to keep an eye on.

While the defensive midfielder has started the last two games, he’s otherwise been used as backup and with Stewart arriving earlier in the window, it wouldn’t be a great surprise to see Williams exit.

The likes of Teddy Howe, Jordan Thorniley and Oliver Sarkic are all in need of regular game time and could do with a move away, but whether they leave now is another matter.

Critchley admitted earlier this month that Howe and Thorniley are both free to leave the club if another side comes in for them. Whether that’s changed over the last week or two given Thorniley’s impressive displays, we’ll have to wait and see.

In terms of incomings, you’d imagine the position Blackpool will be looking to strengthen the most is on the flanks.

The club were recently linked with a move for Rangers winger Jordan Jones, but he opted to join League One rivals Sunderland instead.

That suggests though that a wide man is desired. That won’t come as a major surprise given both Keshi Anderson and CJ Hamilton are out injured.

And while the Seasiders brought in striker Simms to help solve their scoring problems, something that paid off during last week’s 5-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic, they could still do with more creativity and productivity from the wide positions.

Sullay Kaikai is having an up and down campaign while Bez Lubala, while much better against Wigan, is still raw and inconsistent.

It’s probably fair to say the Seasiders have done more business than originally anticipated this month, having previously claimed that one or two would arrive and a further one or two would depart.

But with the squad depleted by a combination of Covid-19 and injuries in recent weeks, and with loanees Dan Kemp and Ben Woodburn departing, that’s forced their hand a little bit.

We now wait with baited breath to see if that transfer activity continues into the dying stages of the window, which closes at 11pm tonight.

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