The new season ushers in a new era for Blackpool, under new ownership and new management.
The last couple of years can best be described as turbulent. Fans stayed away in numbers after imposing a boycott on themselves, determined not to fund the Oyston family any longer.
The Oystons were determined not to go, the fans were fighting hard to make sure they did. In the end, the fans won, but not before the club had to be put into administration to oust the unpopular owner. The EFL, often maligned for their role in club’s fortunes, didn’t impose a points deduction.
That was the right more and Simon Sadler now has a clear path to take the club forward. He’s a lifelong fan of the Seasiders, a man already respected and revered in equal measure.
There are reasons to suspect they might do well this season, building on their tenth-placed finish last time out. Their transfer dealings have been strong, with one player standing out amongst the incomers. Ryan Hardie has come in to bolster their attack and he’s certainly one to watch. He’s come from Glasgow Rangers and is a great addition to Nathan Delfouneso and Armand Gnanduillet. With Adi Yussuf coming in from Solihull Moors as well, there is a feeling Blackpool might grab a few goals this season.
Ryan Edwards has also joined the Tangerines. He’s an experienced centre half who leaves Plymouth having played plenty of times at this level. If recent news is to be believed, he could be partnering Curtis Tilt in the centre of defence, with the in-demand former Wrexham man reportedly close to penning a new deal. That’s a solid back line and a promising attack.
In midfield, former Bolton man Jay Spearing impressed last season and he’s retained from the side that earned that respectable finish. The nucleus of a successful side is certainly in place and that should spark hope of a decent campaign.
Marc Bola has left the club, but they were quick to bring in a replacement. Simon Grayson suggested that James Husband was coming in to complement the former Arsenal man, which might mean there is yet another left back in the pipeline soon.
The big question mark remains over Grayson as manager. He’s done well in his past, spells with Blackpool back in the late 2000’s gave him a strong reputation and he did extremely well with Preston North End as well. In between those times though there have been ill-fated stints with Leeds, Sunderland and Bradford City.
If the club remains on an upward trajectory, there isn’t any reason why they won’t improve on their tenth-placed finish. The big question has to be whether Grayson can keep them as compact, together unit as Terry McPhillips did. The former boss worked wonders with morale and shielded the squad from off-field issues. That helped push them forward, the ‘them and us’ mentality clear in some fighting performances.
Without that drive, they’ll need a new dimension or motivation this season and if Grayson delivers it, Blackpool could be destined for a top six place.
