Injury woe and player of the month - How Blackpool's loanees are performing ahead of January window
There are currently several players on loan away from Bloomfield Road.
Heading into the January transfer window there could be some decisions for Blackpool to make concerning their loanees.
The Seasiders have used that particular market effectively over the last few years.
In terms of players coming into the club, the likes of Karamoko Dembele and Odel Offiah earned their fair share of plaudits, while Rob Apter is the true success story of those being sent out.
It’s been a mixed bag for the current crop who arrived at Bloomfield Road in the summer.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell has grown in stature in goal and Danny Imray appears to have a big role to play at right wing-back, but game time has been more limited for Emil Hansson and Scott Banks when everyone’s been fit.
In terms of those sent out by Blackpool, one has stood out above the rest, and there could be a decision to make on him when the transfer window opens.
Here’s a look on how the out on loan players have fared:
Ryan Finnigan
We’ll start with the success story, and that’s Ryan Finnigan at Walsall.
The 22-year-old made the temporary move to Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium back in August, and has featured 18 times in League Two so far this season - scoring three goals and providing two assists.
His performances saw him pick up the fourth tier’s player of the month for November, after featuring consistently for Mat Sadler’s side.
When asked about the progress of the ex-Southampton man earlier this month, Ian Evatt said: “David (Downes) and his team are observing all of the players out on loan, and Ryan has certainly been one that we’ve kept a close eye on.
“I know he’s doing well and it’s something we discuss on a consistent basis. We’re happy to see him doing so well.
“Collectively we will always try to make the best decisions for this football club, but no decisions have been made yet on him.
“The reason he is out on loan is to gain rhythm and consistency, and he’s doing that - which is great, as it means it’s a successful loan for us and him.”
Meanwhile, back in October, Walsall boss Sadler was also full of praise for Finnigan’s efforts with the midlands outfit.
“He’s settled in really well, he’s a wonderful boy - a wonderful lad,” he told the Gazette.
“Ryan just wants to do the best for him and his family, and he’s a really lovely kid. He’s done really well.
“For us, he’s been a starter for the last, I’m not sure how many weeks. He’s been part of a strong team performance in the last month or so. I’m sure he’ll keep going from strength to strength.
“He’s got everything you need. He’s strong, quick and can move. He just needs more minutes, more time on the grass, and to really believe in himself - because sometimes when you’ve had these hard injuries or not played as much football as you would’ve liked, then there’s that element of belief that maybe goes, so we’ll keep throwing that into him.”
Kylian Kouassi
Kouassi also departed Blackpool for a season-long stint in League Two in the summer, but has found his spell with Cambridge United disrupted by injury.
The forward had scored five goals and provided three assists in 18 appearances for the U’s before being ruled out in the middle of last month due to a hamstring problem.
At the time of the injury, it was reported that the 22-year-old would face at least three months on the sidelines.
Dan Sassi
Dan Sassi is currently on loan with Altrincham in the National League until next month, having made the move to Moss Lane in August.
During his time with the Robins, the defender has featured 22 times in the fifth tier, missing just one game.
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