With just over a week left in the transfer window, Blackpool still find themselves short in a few positions. We take a look at the positions Blackpool still need to fill, and how important these positions will be for their season.
Wing Backs
Neil Critchley has opted to play a 3-5-2 formation in Blackpool’s opening games this season. It is a big change from his usual 4-4-2 that he used to play in his last stint at the club.
Many fans feel that the team are currently incapable of playing a 3-5-2 formation, as the squad does not have enough wing-backs to play the formation consistently.
Despite having Dom Thompson, a former wing-back from Brentford, Critchley has opted to play CJ Hamilton on the left-hand side, a position that he does not look comfortable in.
He has come under scrutiny by fans in the first few games due to his lacklustre performances, being ineffective out wide, and not looking too comfortable defensively.
The right-hand side is also an issue. Jordan Gabriel has a long-term injury for Blackpool, and Andy Lyons is the only other player capable of playing here.
With how quickly the fixtures come in League One, especially when the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and the Papa John's Trophy kick in, Blackpool will need to be able to comfortably rotate their squad.
The role of a wing-back is not an easy one. They need to be as comfortable going forward as they are defending, and it is crucial for Blackpool to sign someone who is capable of doing both.
In terms of names, there are not too many linked with Blackpool in this position at the moment, but it is certainly something they need to look into.
Attacking Midfielders
Moving further up the field now, something Blackpool have been crying out for, for the past few seasons at least, is an attacking midfielder.
Ever since Critchley began his first stint at the club, Blackpool have needed someone in the middle of the park, sat behind the striker, to help link the play up, and season after season, one has not been signed.
This season, with Blackpool playing a 3-5-2 formation, it would be difficult to slot an attacking midfielder in, but they could easily play as one of the middle two.
After 3 consecutive 0-0 draws, creativity is certainly an issue, and despite the midfield signings of Norbury, Morgan and Oakley-Boothe, there is room for a more creative midfielder to add to the ranks.
Blackpool have only used 1 loan spot so far, bringing in Jensen Weir on loan from Brighton, and they could look to utilise the loan market again to bring in a key attacking player.
Striker
The loss of Jerry Yates for Blackpool has left big boots to fill. The striker hit 20 goals last time in League One, and Blackpool will be looking for someone else to hit that target now.
Despite scoring a brace on the opening day, Shayne Lavery has gone quiet, after 3 games without a goal. Jake Beesley who also scored a brace in Blackpool’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Derby has also not scored since.
Kyle Joseph did arrive from Swansea, but he has been injured since joining the club and has not featured yet. He could prove to be the difference this season, depending on whether he can hit the ground running.
Blackpool have been in the market for another striker for a while now, and have been linked with numerous players, all of whom have joined other clubs.
Again, Blackpool could utilise the loan market to bring someone in, as they did with Ellis Simms when they gained promotion from League One.
It certainly is something Blackpool will want to sort, and quickly. With games coming thick and fast, if they are realistic about getting promoted, they will want goals in their side straight away.
Who Are Blackpool Linked With?
So, who are the players Blackpool are currently linked with? There are a few, and some look more likely than others.
In their hunt for a striker, former Derby man Chris Martin has been linked with The Seasiders. The link has gone cold, and a deal for the striker does not look likely anymore.
Blackpool have also missed out on another former Derby striker, Martyn Waghorn, who made a return to the Rams, and has already faced The Seasiders in the Carabao Cup this season.
Sam Cosgrove has also been linked with Blackpool in recent weeks. He has been linked with a host of League One sides, and it looks more likely that he will secure a move to Charlton Athletic.
Blackpool have also been in for a defender. Josh Feeney from Aston Villa on loan was essentially a done deal, but Blackpool fans are still waiting to see whether the transfer will actually come to light or not.
Another deal that looked to be nearly complete was Scott Banks from Crystal Palace. The young midfielder was apparently a done deal, but this is another link that has gone cold.
Blackpool did make their interest in Carlisle midfielder Owen Moxen pubic, as they tabled a bid. However, the bid has since been turned down, and the club have not gone back in.
Johnson Clarke-Harris has tempted Blackpool throughout the transfer window, and whilst no interest has been made public, and no offers have been made, it would certainly show Blackpool‘s ambition if they did bring him in.
Thing have gone fairly quiet at the club, but that is how Blackpool have tried to operate these past few seasons. Their signings often go under the radar, but they need a big marquee signing to really get the fans going.