Chris Maxwell thanks Blackpool for keeping the faith

Prior to agreeing a new deal, the keeper was one of hundreds of professional footballers whose contracts run out this summer.

A large proportion of those players still don’t know if their deals will be renewed or if they will have a job going forwards.

That’s why it was so important for Maxwell to put pen to paper with the Seasiders – to put all that uncertainty to bed.

“Since I came to the club in January I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and with these uncertain times in football I’m really, really glad to get sorted so early on,” the 29-year-old said.

“I’d like to thank the club, Ben Mansford (chief executive) and the owner (Simon Sadler) for having so much faith in me.

“It’s such a difficult time for everyone involved in football at the moment.

“A lot of players don’t know where they’re going to be or when they’re going to play football again, so I’m really glad to get this done.

“It’s been in the pipeline for quite a while now but to actually get it over the line and be able to concentrate on next season is great.

“Listening to the manager’s and Ben’s plans for the club are exciting, so I’m delighted to be a part of it.

“Next season is going to be a really big test but the ambition of the club is still there, even with everything going on, and that’s an important thing for me and everybody.

“I’m quietly confident about next season.”

The keeper arrived at Bloomfield Road during the January transfer window, signing a short-term deal until the end of the season.

In the absence of the injured Jak Alnwick, the former Fleetwood Town shot-stopper went on to make nine appearances for the club before the season was suspended.

He has now put pen to paper on a new contract which will run until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The deal also includes an option to extend by a further 12 months.

“I’d like to think I’ve left a good impression on the gaffer (Neil Critchley),” Maxwell added.

“It helps when you enjoy being a part of something and you enjoy playing in a certain environment.

“That environment is only going to get better as well.

“Part and parcel of being a player is your work ethic and the manager will accept nothing else other than a high work ethic.

“For me, I consider myself a bit of a workaholic – I’m desperate to get going.

“It’s something I’m going to be fully focusing on now, that first day of pre-season and the first game of the new season.

“Whenever that might be, it’s going to be massive and I can’t wait.”