Neil Critchley on the chances of further ins and outs and if Blackpool’s transfer budget will be impacted by the government’s decision to block return of fans

Luke Garbutt became Blackpool’s 12th signing of the summer earlier this week, penning a 12-month contract following the left-back’s release from Everton.

But with two senior spots still available in the club’s 22-man squad, the Seasiders could still look to complete further business before the window shuts on October 16.

“We’ll keep looking,” Critchley said.

“We’ve still got a few more weeks and we’ve still got room within our squad in terms of numbers and the budget.

“I think we’re in a reasonably healthy position, but we can maybe add one or two more to strengthen us even further.

“We’re on the lookout, we’re still doing our work. But we can be in a position now to be a little bit more patient and not rush into too many situations.

“If possible, we’d still like to add one or two.”

As for potential outgoings, the Seasiders will still be keen to get out-of-favour midfielder Jamie Devitt off their books before the window closes.

The 30-year-old, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club, has been told he has no future at the club having not been handed a squad number.

Critchley, meanwhile, has hinted that Devitt isn’t the only player that should be on the lookout for a new club in the coming weeks.

He said: “A number of players have gone out since pre-season started and when you take into account those out-of-contract players that left the club at the end of last season, there’s obviously been a big turnaround in numbers.

“There’s maybe one or two more players that are in the same situation if they want regular football, which might be something that can’t be guaranteed here this season.

“Those players know who they are.”

Some clubs in the football pyramid have suggested they might struggle to do any more business given the recent government decision to halt the return of fans to ground, given the potentially devastating impact on finances.

Asked if that might be the case for Blackpool, Critchley said: “It’s a moving jigsaw, we have to plan for all types of scenarios which is what we’ve done all throughout the summer.

“The club have done an outstanding job in terms of how we’ve prepared for all different types of scenarios.

“I think you’ve seen that with getting the supporters back in the ground so quickly and so safely last week.

“We’d be foolish not to prepare for all types of scenarios, but we still have that hope the government can find some kind of solution and we can bring some supporters into the ground in a safe fashion.

“I wouldn’t be the only person in the country that thinks we’ve surely got to find a way of bringing our sport, our beloved game back to the people so to speak.

“I hope we can do that sooner rather than later.”