Blackpool keeper believes the Seasiders are building towards a brighter future

Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has noticed major steps forward in only six months as a Blackpool player, saying “it’s all geared to achieving something”.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Having arrived on a short-term contract in January, the Welshman signed a two-year deal last month and has no doubts about the club’s ambition.

Maxwell, who will turn 30 on Thursday, said: “I was delighted to get it done, absolutely delighted.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“From the minute I walked into the door I was welcomed with open arms by everybody and I genuinely believe something special is going to happen here in the next few years.

Chris Maxwell believes Blackpool could have cause for celebration sooner rather than laterChris Maxwell believes Blackpool could have cause for celebration sooner rather than later
Chris Maxwell believes Blackpool could have cause for celebration sooner rather than later

“The attention to detail and the change that has happened to the club, even in the six months I’ve been here, is brilliant and it’s all geared towards achieving something.

“I spoke to the owner on the phone and I spoke to Ben (Mansford, chief executive) throughout the period as well, and it was a real privilege to be offered a contract in such uncertain circumstances.

“The conversation I had with Mr Sadler (owner) on the phone was a special one to me, because for him to commit to something like that in such uncertain times was brilliant from the club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I thank the club, and I thank the owner and Ben for putting that faith in me going forward.”

Maxwell, who had spent the first half of the season on loan at Hibernian, has plenty of experience this side of the border with more than 200 EFL appearances to his name.

The former Wrexham and Wales Under-21 player made his League breakthrough during four years at Fleetwood Town before moving on to Preston North End in 2016.

At present he finds himself the only senior keeper on Pool’s books following the release of Mark Howard, Chris Mafoumbi and Myles Boney, who has signed a permanent deal with Northern Premier League club South Shields following last season’s loan spell.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Maxwell expects some competition for his jersey and added: “Whoever is going to come into the squad is going to be of a certain style, a certain character, and is going to be of a high quality.

“The manager accepts nothing but a good attitude and hard work, and whoever comes into this squad will improve the squad.

“As a group, we’re going to be thinking about three points. We’ve got to try and win every single game we can.

“My focus and everyone else’s focus should be playing on the Saturday, playing well and making sure we gain three points – it’s as simple as that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The competition comes from the opposition and we’ve got to be in a position where we can get promoted.”

The Seasiders have been busy signing outfield players and Maxwell is impressed with the new additions.

Speaking before training resumed in midweek, he added: “I spoke to the new lads individually over WhatsApp and I’ve seen them in the Zoom calls a couple of times.

“They’ll be welcomed into the group fairly easily and hopefully they can hit the ground running, which I’m sure they will.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They’re good quality players, young, athletic players and they’re going to add to the quality we have, so hopefully there are some good times ahead.”

Maxwell is delighted to have a starting date of September 12 for the 2020/21 season to build towards after the “strange” months of lockdown following football’s suspension in March.

He added: “There were several Zoom meetings throughout lockdown, and we’ve all been well informed about what’s happening with the EFL and the new protocols that are being put in place for us to train.

“The relationships have grown among the group and amongst the staff, so it’s all good.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s been a strange time. People haven’t been able to work or do the things they love and we’re in the same boat.

“We’re desperate to get back out on the pitch and we’re desperate for the season to start as soon as possible.

“We want to showcase what we can do. We want to be successful and we want to get started straight away.

“It was a strange old period. Obviously there’s a silver lining to this and the group has come back really well and we’re all raring to go.

“There were some glimpses last season of the ability we had in the team.

“And with the new players that have come in – and I’d imagine there will be more new faces – it’s only going to improve us.”