For a bit of fun in the meantime, we fired up the latest edition of Football Manager, and simulated the game beyond the summer and into the future. We had a look at the starting XI, key subs and manager it predicts will be on show for the Tangerines on the opening day of the 2020/21 season.
. New season, same division
Blackpool finish the 2019/20 season comfortably in mid-table, concluding another solid season in the third tier. They open the 2020/21 season at home to Burton Albion. | Getty Images Photo: Clive Brunskill
. GK: Luke McGee
Blackpool secure themselves a new goalkeeper in the summer, and the former Spurs man starts between the sticks after joining on a free transfer from Portsmouth. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow
. RB: Oliver Turton
The versatile defender heads into his fourth campaign with the Tangerines, and keeps his spot on the right side of a back four. | Getty Images Photo: Jack Thomas
. CB: Gianni Zuiverloon
The journeyman returns from a spell in Indian football for one last crack at English football, having previously played for West Brom and Ipswich Town. This should be interesting. | Getty Images Photo: AFP
. CB: Ben Heneghan
Heneghan is let go by parent club Sheffield United at the end of his contract, and the Tangerines bring him in permanently after two solid loan spells. | Getty Images Photo: George Wood
. LB: James Husband
The reliable left-back remains in his favoured position, after a strong 2019/20 campaign. | Getty Images Photo: Lewis Storey
. CM: Jay Spearing
The skipper signs a new deal and extends his stay at Bloomfield Road, and keeps his starting spot in midfield. | Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk
1. New season, same division
Blackpool finish the 2019/20 season comfortably in mid-table, concluding another solid season in the third tier. They open the 2020/21 season at home to Burton Albion. | Getty Images Photo: Clive Brunskill
2. GK: Luke McGee
Blackpool secure themselves a new goalkeeper in the summer, and the former Spurs man starts between the sticks after joining on a free transfer from Portsmouth. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow
3. RB: Oliver Turton
The versatile defender heads into his fourth campaign with the Tangerines, and keeps his spot on the right side of a back four. | Getty Images Photo: Jack Thomas
4. CB: Gianni Zuiverloon
The journeyman returns from a spell in Indian football for one last crack at English football, having previously played for West Brom and Ipswich Town. This should be interesting. | Getty Images Photo: AFP
5. CB: Ben Heneghan
Heneghan is let go by parent club Sheffield United at the end of his contract, and the Tangerines bring him in permanently after two solid loan spells. | Getty Images Photo: George Wood
6. LB: James Husband
The reliable left-back remains in his favoured position, after a strong 2019/20 campaign. | Getty Images Photo: Lewis Storey