What Blackpool need to do this month - with two areas proving vital for recruitment
Blackpool will be looking to do their fair share of business in the January transfer window.
Blackpool have a big month of transfer business on their hands - with some big recruitment decisions to make.
The Seasiders are short in several areas, and will need to boost their squad in both size and quality.
For the last two windows, the club has focussed on recruiting players for a 4-4-2 formation, but since the appointment of Ian Evatt at the end of October, there’s now a focus on wing-backs.
This switch, alongside a bad run of luck with injuries, have resulted in a lack of depth in some positions.
Here’s a look at where Blackpool need to recruit this month:
Striker
The confirmation that Blackpool needed another striker came the moment Dale Taylor was forced off on Boxing Day against Doncaster Rovers.
After missing a number of months due to injury ahead of the festive period, it had been hoped the return of the summer signing would be a massive boost.
Instead, his bad luck continued, with a broken metatarsal set to keep him out for three months.
Currently there’s no back-up senior striker. Both Tom Bloxham and Ashley Fletcher have been worked hard during Evatt’s tenure, due to no other options being available.
Niall Ennis is on the road to recovery, but even between the three of them, the work load could prove too much, and you’re a tightrope the moment any of them are hit by any potential problems.
Looking to the loan market for a new forward would be the most sensible approach, and just finding someone who can both chip in and be a different type of option to steer the Seasiders through the remainder of the campaign.
Centre back
Like Taylor’s injury, the news that Fraser Horsfall has been hit with an eight-week spell on the sidelines should prompt Blackpool to add another centre back.
Things probably aren’t as bad as they seemed on Saturday against Bradford City. James Husband was only missing through suspension, and Michael Ihiekwe could be edging towards playing again as he prepares to receive a steroid injection for his ongoing battle with a foot injury.
Zac Ashworth on the whole is competent in a back three, and Andy Lyons has also put his hand up to play there.
Even with that in mind, the way Evatt plays makes it even more important that the Seasiders aren’t short in any form in that area, so naturally looking for an established centre back is essential.
Who knows, maybe someone at the club could have a word with former loanee Elkan Baggott this weekend at Ipswich Town.
Wing-back
Perhaps less important than the other two areas for the time being, but something that should still be considered, is another option to play out wide.
Ideally, Blackpool could find someone who’s comfortable on both the right and the left.
Danny Imray has been fantastic since his return from injury, but there’s not a standout back-up who can bring the same thing.
On the left, you’ve got Ashworth to play that role while Hayden Coulson is injured, but if he’s needed in the back three then you find yourself short again.
The likes of CJ Hamilton and Scott Banks both have the attacking elements required, but the defensive side is required as well.
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