Blackpool have been fairly busy in the summer transfer window so far, bringing in a total of four players, including two strikers and two fullbacks.
Whilst there is still plenty of work to be done for The Seasiders, let us take a look at who Blackpool have brought in, and what they can expect from their new players.
Hayden Coulson
One name that will be fresh in Blackpool’s minds is Hayden Coulson. The full-back, a graduate of the Middlesbrough academy, spent last season on loan at Blackpool and now joins them on a permanent deal.
It will be a welcome sight for The Seasiders, after impressing in his 17 starts in the league, helping guide Blackpool to a spot just outside the playoffs.
Whilst his defensive displays impressed, it was his attacking abilities that really made him shine. Coulson is a player who always looks to get the ball forward, and has no issue with taking an opposing player on.
He is also handy in front of goal when given the chance, having scored twice, and grabbed himself an assist in the league last season.
Blackpool fans will certainly be glad to see such a strong addition be added permanently this time around.
Jordan Rhodes
Speaking of players signing permanently, Blackpool’s next signing needs to introduction. After his contract came to an end at Huddersfield, Blackpool took no time in snapping up Jordan Rhodes on a free transfer.
Having spent the season prior on loan at Blackpool, the fans know what to expect from him. Whilst he will not have a massive dictation on the style of play, he certainly knows how to take a chance when it comes to him.
His 15 league goals last season made him Blackpool’s top scorer, despite him missing around 15 games due to injury. Had he stayed injury free, Rhodes would easily have broken the 20-goal barrier and could have hauled Blackpool up into a playoff spot.
His fitness may be an issue going into next season, with the veteran striker turning 35 next season, but, should he stay fit for the season, he will be a massive addition to the Blackpool squad.
Ashley Fletcher
Potentially joining Rhodes up front, is former Man United man Ashley Fletcher. Whilst he never actually featured for Man United’s first team, he has had stints at West Ham, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Fletcher has never been known for being a prolific goalscorer, but dropping down to League One could help him rediscover his goal-scoring form, and after signing him as a free transfer following his release from Watford, it could be another good piece of business.
He spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, but in his 23 appearances, he failed to find the back of the net on a single occasion. Blackpool will be hoping this is not going to be the case this season.
Fletcher is known for his direct running style. He loves to run at the defence, whether that be with the ball, or making runs behind the defence. One thing Blackpool fans will certainly get from Fletcher is a willing runner and one who will either open up space for himself or for other players to run into.
Only time will tell if this will prove to be a good signing for Blackpool, but if Fletcher hits the ground running, it could prove to be a very shrewd signing.
Zac Ashworth
Blackpool’s final addition so far sees West Brom’s Zac Ashworth join The Seasiders on a three year deal.
Ashworth spent last season on loan at Bolton, where he made 16 appearances, and scored twice despite playing as a fullback.
The defender excited during his time at Bolton with his marauding runs forward, and ability to overlap a winger, whilst putting some good crosses into the box, much like Coulson did last year for Blackpool.
It will be interesting to see whether Coulson or Ashworth starts in Critchley’s plans, or whether both will feature on opposite sides, as both players are quite similar in play style.
There is still much to be done in the transfer window for Blackpool, with another defender and midfielder on the cards. One such player who could join Blackpool is George Byers. Following his release from Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season, The Seasiders could look to snap up the dynamic midfielder who spent last season on loan at the club, and it would prove to be a big signing, with other League One and Championship clubs interested.
There will be plenty of ins and outs still to come for Blackpool, but they will need to add some quality to the squad that was missing last season if they have any hopes of getting out of a very competitive League One this season.
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