Neil Critchley: Blackpool signing of Elliot Embleton from Sunderland a pleasant surprise

The 21-year-old was Pool’s only arrival on deadline day, joining Ellis Simms and Kevin Stewart in making the move to Bloomfield Road during the window.

With just six points separating sixth-placed Sunderland and the Seasiders, who have a game in hand, some were shocked by the Embleton deal.

“I was slightly surprised,” Critchley conceded to The Gazette. “But I don’t know about their squad and their numbers, that’s not my decision.

“But I’m thankful Sunderland have entrusted us to look after Elliot and develop him. If we’re the benefactors of that, then great.”

The attacking midfielder, who signed a new contract at the Stadium of Light before heading out on loan, will spend the remainder of the campaign at Blackpool.

The former England youth international has featured 12 times for Sunderland this season and Critchley added: “He’ll bring creativity, endeavour and ability. He can play in a number of positions as well.

“He’s got some grit and steel about him, so I’m delighted he’s joined. I think he can offer something different to what we’ve got.”

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson revealed it was Embleton’s decision to head out on loan in a bid for more regular game time.

Johnson told the Newcastle Chronicle: “I really like Elliot. He is a good young player for us but sometimes having too big a squad can be difficult to manage.

“He’s an excellent player, one of the best trainers, and we would definitely have used him, but he maybe wouldn’t have got the starts he wanted or warranted, or that he could have got somewhere else.

“And making it public that we are going to extend his contract by taking up the option shows that we believe in him.

“I gave him both scenarios – to stay and compete or go out on loan to Blackpool, who are a good side, where he might get more starts.

“When you have someone you believe in, if he is not going to get the minutes he is better off continuing his progression – as he has at Grimsby in League Two and now in League One – and then he will hopefully be ready for us.”

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