Blackpool head coach doesn't want any further call-offs

The Seasiders, who take on Charlton Athletic at The Valley today, suffered their seventh cancellation of the season on Tuesday night when their home game against Doncaster Rovers was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Once that fixture is rearranged, Blackpool will have no free midweeks remaining unless they’re able to shuffle their games around the Easter period.

With the EFL reluctant to extend the season, that could well leave the Seasiders having no choice but to play Saturday-Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday to cram in their games.

“We’re almost in a tricky situation now, so fingers crossed we don’t get any more bad weather,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“We’ll be right on the borderline now of having any room for manoeuvre within our fixture list and calendar.

“We’ve got a busy period coming up, but we knew that anyway. This will make it a bit busier, but it is what it is.”

Critchley added of the midweek postponement: “I don’t think the referee had a choice unfortunately.

“The pitch was holding water and it was quite clear the ball, in certain areas of the pitch, was sticking.

“As soon as you see that happening, the safety of the players comes into the reckoning.

“With the weather that was forecast for the remainder of the evening, the referee felt the pitch wasn’t going to improve – along with the managers as well.

“It was unfortunate, but it was what it was. Darren (Moore, Doncaster boss) was very understanding.

“As soon as he turned up and took a look at the pitch, we had some sensible chats and he was very reasonable with what he was saying and what he thought about the situation. I was in total agreement.

“It wasn’t ideal that they had to travel and it wasn’t ideal we had another game off, because the schedule becomes even more congested, but it was the right call.”

It was Blackpool’s fourth home game this season to be called off for weather conditions, two for heavy rain and two for a frozen pitch.

The main issue relates to drainage, something chief executive Ben Mansford admitted to The Gazette that the club is looking to resolve.

“The club, right from Simon Sadler down, has got an ambition to improve the club and we’re always looking to learn, improve and get better,” Critchley said.

“We have good, open and honest communication throughout the club, and if we feel there is an area where we feel we can get better and learn from – and that goes from the ground facilities, training ground, first team and academy – then that’s what we’re looking to do and that’s the journey we’re on at the moment.

“While we’re all here, that’s what we’ll be seeking to do.”

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