Blackpool striker Ryan Hardie outlines why he opted to make loan switch to League One rivals Plymouth Argyle

The 23-year-old re-joined the Home Park outfit on Wednesday having enjoyed a prolific loan spell in Devon last season.

The former Rangers frontman scored seven times in five starts and eight substitute appearances to help Plymouth clinch automatic promotion from League Two.

Having struggled for game time under Simon Grayson, Pool fans had hoped to see more of Hardie in a Blackpool shirt next season to see what he could do working under new boss Neil Critchley.

However, following the arrivals of a number of attacking players, Hardie has been moved on with game time not guaranteed on the Fylde coast.

Explaining why he was so keen to return to Plymouth, Hardie explained: “I did well here last season and the gaffer (Ryan Lowe) said he was dead keen to bring me back if things would work out.

“Obviously it died down a little over the lockdown period and then I started training again with Blackpool last week.

“I got a few phone calls from my agent saying that Plymouth were interested and it was obviously something I was interested in after the success we had here last year.”

The Scot added: “The style of play here suits my game down to a tee as the numbers show.

“The success I enjoyed last season was a big factor and I’m just hoping I can come back and replicate that form, only in the league above.”

Although Hardie and his girlfriend are expecting their first child to be born soon, the Blackpool striker insists that won’t be an issue.

When asked if his personal situation made the decision more difficult, Hardie replied: “Of course it did. It was a big decision we had to make, we had to make a decision based on the football and based on the wee man - it’s a wee boy we’re expecting.

“It factored into the situation but it’s a lovely place to bring up a baby and the family will always get down, regardless of the distance, and we can always get back up the road.

“The gaffer made it really clear that if we ever need any days off to see family then he will help us. The gaffer certainly made things easier.”

Hardie, who is under contract at Bloomfield Road until 2021, with the club also holding the option to extend by a further 12 months, made the move to Blackpool from Scottish giants Rangers last summer for an undisclosed fee.

However, he struggled for game time under Grayson, making just nine appearances - most of them coming off the bench or in cup competitions.

The Scot, who has been handed the number nine shirt by Plymouth, is still yet to find the mark in a league game, his one and only goal for the Seasiders coming in the 5-1 EFL Trophy win against Morecambe.