Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has reaffirmed his desire to keep hold of on-loan striker Jordan Rhodes past the January transfer window, when speaking to Yorkshire Live.
Rhodes joined the Tangerines on loan in August of this season, and the 33-year-0ld hit the ground running. His 13 goals so far this term ranks him joint second in the league’s top scorers chart after he added to his tally with a brace against Carlisle at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.
His impressive form has pleased his head coach. However, it has also instilled worry in the former Queens Park Ranger’s boss, as the striker is only on loan from Championship side Huddersfield Town; there is a risk that the Yorkshire club may recall their man in the January window.
That’s something the manager is all too aware of as the window draws near.
“We watch Jordan and try and learn from him, and he’s a good example to our strikers who have not had his career,” Critchley said when speaking to Yorkshire Live.
“They should be aspiring to achieve what he’s done. His positioning inside the penalty box and his patience, his movement, cleverness and ability to finish off both feet or his head is outstanding.
“We’re delighted he’s here, and we really want that to continue for the year,” he added.
The possibility of the Terriers recalling the striker may seem more likely considering their current issues in front of goal. After 21 league matches, their leading scorer is centre-half Michael Helik with five.
Rhodes is in his second spell with Huddersfield, scoring ten times in 64 games before leaving on loan. His first spell in West Yorkshire was more prolific, scoring 87 times in 148 outings.
Blackpool will be hoping to build on that career goal tally as they travel to Cambridge at the weekend in a bid to close the three-point gap they currently have to the top six.
Writer’s View
Huddersfield are clearly a side that is struggling in front of goal this season, which may help influence their decision. Darren Moore and his staff will likely have been monitoring Rhodes’ progress closely in the lead-up to January 1st.
The Tangerines have been better in front of goal this season, scoring 36 in 21 league matches however with the on-loan man being the only player to have scored five or more for them in the league, they will not want to lose his threat in the box as it may provide them with a recruitment headache.
