'He's in the team for more than just goals': Neil Critchley lends his backing to Blackpool striker Jerry Yates

Jerry Yates has yet to get off the mark for Blackpool, but his boss Neil Critchley remains happy with the striker’s displays - pointing out he offers far more than just goals.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Read More
Neil Critchley believes Liverpool loanee Ben Woodburn could be the man to unlock...

The Seasiders paid a fee to secure Yates’ services earlier in the summer, but the 23-year-old hasn’t scored in his opening nine games in all competitions.

Despite that, Yates has won plaudits for his work ethic, desire and the manner in which he helps Blackpool press from the front.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While Critchley admits Yates won’t want to leave it too long to get his first goal, the Blackpool boss says the former Rotherham United and Swindon Town is vital to the way his side plays.

“Jerry is not just in the team for his goalscoring contribution, he brings other things as well to the team,” he told The Gazette.

“He brings a lot of endeavour, energy and with the way we want to press and counter-press he’s really vital to that.

“Now he’ll want to score goals because he’s a striker. He’s had some good chances in some of the games and he’s been in some very good positions inside the box, but the ball just hasn’t arrived.

“He just wants one to drop to him and when it does, he’ll get off the mark. Once he does that I think it’ll make the world of difference to how he feels.”