New Blackpool manager Neil Critchley has spoke to the Blackpool Gazette about the importance of keeping hold of leading scorer Jerry Yates.
Yates, who netted 14 times for the Seasiders this season, is entering the final year of his contract and is reportedly subject to interest from Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion, Championship new boys Ipswich Town and losing playoff finalists Coventry City.
Who Is Jerry Yates?
Yates is a 26-year-old Doncaster-born forward who began his professional career at Rotherham United, gaining experience on loan at Harrogate Town, Carlisle United and Swindon before a permanent move to Blackpool.
He started to find his scoring form at Swindon where he netted 13 goals in 31 League Two games as the Robins won the division under Richie Wellens.
His form attracted League One outfit Blackpool who paid a reported £200 000 for his services. He found the net on 20 occasions as the club won promotion to the Championship after a successful playoff campaign. Yates’ two seasons of Championship football have returned 22 goals, giving him a Blackpool record of 46 goals in 139 games.
What’s Been Said?
Recently re-appointed manager Neil Critchley has spoken about his striker, saying, “He [Jerry Yates] was a major part of our success. First and foremost he’s a brilliant person, a great individual, he brings so much energy to the training ground and onto the pitch. As always, when people do well, they’ll have suitors from people above you, but without speaking to Jerry and knowing his thoughts – he’s under contract as well – it would be wrong of me to discuss any individual at this moment in time.”
“You want your best players and Jerry is definitely one of them, but you also want players who want to be here as well. Until I have these conversations I don’t know yet so that’s obviously something for us to think about and discuss in the next few weeks,” Critchley continued.
Writer’s View
After his goals helped seal Blackpool’s promotion two years ago and scoring 14 goals in a relegated side this season, it is easy to see why Critchley wants to keep Yates to help fire the Seasiders back to the second tier.
Likewise, the interest from the four clubs mentioned makes sense. Coventry was a penalty kick away from the Premier League and will hope the addition of extra goals can push them towards the league’s summit next season. Ipswich were free-scoring in League One and the addition of Championship experience to their front line will appeal to their management and Bristol City and West Bromwich Albion will be hoping to improve on disappointing seasons.
With Yates having a year left on his contract plus an option, any suitors will have to pay for his services, it remains to be seen whether the reported £4 million price tag will be the stumbling block.
