The Matt Scrafton column: A period for planning and Blackpool are wasting no time

Whether it was Simon Sadler’s statement on the one-year anniversary of his takeover, the installation of the new temporary building at the club’s training ground, Chris Maxwell’s new contract or the appointment of a new assistant, there was plenty to whet the appetite for next season – whenever it gets under way.

We find ourselves in an odd situation – for Pool fans at least, it feels as though we’re in the midst of pre-season, just weeks away from the new campaign.

Of course that’s not the reality and we’re probably looking at September when the 2020/21 season begins.

But while other clubs are still playing – be it the Premier League and Championship completing their respective campaigns, or clubs competing for promotion via the League One and Two play-offs – the Seasiders are able to plan ahead.

The retained list is out and contracts have been tabled to three players, with Maxwell signing already.

With Myles Boney, Mark Howard and Christoffer Mafoumbi all being released, the goalkeeping department was always going to be an area of Blackpool’s squad that needed looking at.

Then again, that could be said for all positions…

But it was good to see Maxwell tied up to a new deal nice and early because the 29-year-old performed well following his arrival on a short-term deal in January.

He’s a very good shot-stopper and, by his own admission, is a goalkeeper who likes to play with positivity and on the front foot – something that will definitely suit the style of Neil Critchley.

He knows full well that goalkeepers are now expected to play their part in launching attacks and we’ve already seen evidence of that from Maxwell, playing his part in Joe Nuttall’s last-gasp winner against Ipswich Town in February just moments after making a crucial one-on-one save.

This now begs the question what Blackpool’s plans are for Jak Alnwick, who is a free agent following his release from Rangers.

Do they sign him up and have Alnwick and Maxwell fight it out for the number one jersey?

Or do they put their trust in Maxwell and spend the wages elsewhere? It will certainly be interesting to see what the Seasiders decide to do.

You must feel sorry for Alnwick, who was performing so well prior to the serious arm injury he suffered on Boxing Day. He’s not been seen since.

It’s pretty common knowledge that a pre-agreement had been signed while Simon Grayson was still manager, a deal that would probably would have been completed in January had Alnwick still been fit.

But, given Maxwell’s good form and the change of manager, it appears Alnwick’s future now hangs in the balance, having previously looked a shoo-in to become a long-term acquisition.

In a perfect world it would be great to have two, experienced shot-stoppers battling it out for the number one spot but, given the current predicament Blackpool and every other club finds themselves in, I’m not sure that’s entirely realistic.

Money is tight across the board and, yes, while Blackpool are probably in a better and more secure position than most at this level, it would be a bit of a luxury.

Perhaps it might be a case of Maxwell being the go-to man, while youngster Jack Sims provides back-up.

We now wait for further news on Jay Spearing and Ollie Turton, the others to have been offered extensions. Unless they receive a better offer from elsewhere, you would imagine both will sign.

Both, of course, have previous links with Critchley. Spearing knows him well due to his Liverpool connections and Turton from his time at Crewe Alexandra.

Speaking to Spearing just before lockdown, the club captain told me he had already informed the club he would be happy to pledge his future to the Seasiders. So if the offer is right, I’d expect it to be a formality.

Turton, meanwhile, appears settled on the Fylde coast, having been with the club since 2017. While he might not be a guaranteed starter, he’s the sort of player you want in and around the squad.

In terms of new arrivals, I wouldn’t be hugely surprised if potential deals are already in the pipeline.

The club is certainly being linked with enough players, a sure sign they are scouring the market.

First-team coach David Dunn admitted as much himself in a recent radio interview, confirming the Seasiders are being proactive in the transfer market and already have plans in place.

As I say, the excitement levels are already building...