Blackpool's new signings excite head coach Neil Critchley

Jerry Yates and CJ Hamilton, who joined the Seasiders on three-year deals this week, are aged 23 and 25 respectively.

Head coach Critchley has now made five summer signings, with Oliver Sarkic and Marvin Ekpiteta also under 25, as he looks to play with an exhilarating, high-energy style next season.

Speaking on Monday, even before the arrivals of Hamilton and Yates had been confirmed, Critchley said: “When any new coach comes in they’ll always look to put their own stamp on the squad.

“In trying circumstances, we’ve been able to capture a few players relatively soon, which I couldn’t be more thankful of in terms of the support I’ve had from the owner.

“I’m looking forward to getting those players in and amongst the squad to see if we can get a team the Blackpool supporters will be proud to watch.

“Those we’ve signed so far should all bring youth, energy and hard work and they will all buy into what we want to do here, which is really important.

“We’re getting players that are on the up and want to come here for the right reasons, so I’m really looking forward to working with them and seeing what they are capable of producing in our new tangerine shirt.”

“If you’re going to play the style of football I want to play, then athletic, young, hungry players are important.”

It doesn’t mean there’s no place for older heads as Critchley added: “That’s not to rule out senior players because you need some seniority in the group and you need some leadership. You need players that know what it’s like to play week in, week out in League One.

“Getting that balance is really important but we’ve identified the type of player we’re interested in and the age bracket those players fall into, which is important.”