Blackpool keeper Chris Maxwell never wants to watch games from home again

Chris Maxwell has recalled his anguish on seeing  emergency loanee Sam Walker temporarily take his spot in the Blackpool goal.
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Blackpool's Chris Maxwell up for League One player of the month award alongside ...

The 30-year-old missed the games against Shrewsbury Town and Bristol Rovers at the turn of the year, having tested positive for Covid-19 on December 23.

The Seasiders moved swiftly to bring in a short-term replacement in the form of Walker from Championship side Reading. The 29-year-old, who has since joined AFC Wimbledon on loan, impressed for Pool and saved a penalty in both games.

Chris Maxwell sat out two Blackpool matches after testing positive for CovidChris Maxwell sat out two Blackpool matches after testing positive for Covid
Chris Maxwell sat out two Blackpool matches after testing positive for Covid
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Maxwell told The Gazette: “It kills me having to watch the games from home. Sam Walker came into the team and did really, really well.

“He’s a great guy but to watch him play in my place was awful, and not being there to encourage the boys and talk to them before and after the game was awful.

“It’s like watching your mates kick a ball around without you, and having to stand on the sideline and not even be a part of it.

“It was something I don’t want to experience again but thankfully I’m back in and contributing.

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“Me and Matty (Virtue, who also tested positive) had to sit at home and watch the games. It’s difficult.”

Maxwell was Blackpool’s penalty hero in Saturday’s FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion, earning Neil Critchley’s side another crack at Premier League opposition when they visit Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round.

Maxwell added: “It was no more than we deserved. We were excellent throughout the game.

“We overcame certain obstacles and we stuck at. Even when we conceded, we rolled our sleeves up and went ahead again.

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“We were certainly the better side in extra-time and created the most chances. It would have been awful had we lost that game.”

Maxwell was inspirational in the shootout, saving three Baggies spot-kicks.

“You find little things about people’s character when they’re taking penalties,” Blackpool’s captain revealed. “You can do as much homework as you like and if it’s meant to be your day, then it’s meant to be your day.

“Without doing it down, it’s part of my job and it was just meant to be. You just hope you can contribute.

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“I enjoy penalties and penalty shootouts, especially when you come out on the winning side.”

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