Blackpool could still be without skipper Ollie Norburn this evening as they host League One’s bottom team, Cheltenham.
The Tangerines are on a good run of form, having lost just once in their last seven outings. With Jordan Rhodes firing the goals, including a late leveller against high-flying Oxford, they’ve climbed to seventh in the table.
However, they are still without captain Ollie Norburn, missing since the October 14th victory against Stevenage. Norburn, a summer signing from Peterborough, has had a troubled start to his stint at Bloomfield Road, with a red card against Lincoln City helping limit his appearances to 12 in league and cup.
However, Critchley is eager to get him back in the side, although that might not be in time for Cheltenham’s visit, as he told their official club site.
“He’ll be getting assessed, so hopefully, he will have been able to train and be in the squad tomorrow night, but at this point in time, we don’t know,” Critchley said.
“He’s a great person, first and foremost. He’s a leader, he’s vocal, and he communicates well on the pitch, he drives the standard in the dressing room on and off the pitch. I think he’s improving all the time with his performances.
“He was at Peterborough for a number of years and coming to a different place; it always takes a little bit of time to adjust to new teammates and new messages, a slightly different way of playing, and I think he’s like a lot of the players who will get better and improve.”
The injury problem stems from a disc in his neck, causing him to sit out the Oxford game, and whilst the Tangerines did well in his absence, he will still be likely to drop straight back into the side.
The 30-year-old has plenty of experience in League One, having appeared for both Shrewsbury and Peterborough in the third tier. Having come up from the National League with the likes of Guiseley and Macclesfield, he reached the Championship with Posh, where he played 36 times as they were relegated.
However, he missed almost a full year at London Road after an injury whilst on international duty, hence perhaps the reticence in bringing him back into the Blackpool fold too quickly.
Writer’s View
Norburn is clearly a key figure at Blackpool despite the interruptions to his first few months. His experience is vital in helping them navigate their first season back in League One, and Critchley clearly rates his leadership qualities.
It could be assumed that Cheltenham won’t be a huge test for Blackpool, who are sixth in the form table, but they snatched their first victory of the season at the weekend. They’ve been tough to beat at times – Portsmouth struggled to break them down, and if Norburn is fit, then he’ll surely play a key role.
The big question is, will he be fit? At present, it seems Critchley is unable to answer that.
Well, either unable or unwilling, as fewer managers than ever before show their hand before a game these days!
