Blackpool manager Steve Bruce admits that the January transfer window is tough but he is still looking to make additions to his squad this month.
The 64-year-old replaced Neil Critchley in September after the former boss was dismissed just two games into the season. Bruce sparked an immediate revival in form, but the Seasiders struggled throughout October and November to slide down the League One table.
Things have improved since, and they have tasted defeat just once since losing to Bolton Wanderers on November 23rd. That solitary loss game against Wrexham, who secured the victory in controversial circumstances through a late Steve Fletcher penalty.
Bruce Addresses Transfer Plans
Blackpool head to league leaders Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow hoping to return to winning ways following a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town on New Year’s Day, their third stalemate in four outings. Bruce has admitted that the club may try and bring in a new arrival before the fixture, although any business is more likely to come later in the month. Speaking to The Blackpool Gazette, the former Birmingham City boss said:
“There’s nothing to report straight away, we’re hoping we can do a little bit of business.
“There’s a mixture (of loans and permanent deals). We can’t do many loans because of what we’ve already got, so we’re mindful of that.
“We’re looking to see if we can strengthen the team if we can, but as we all know in January, it becomes very difficult because teams don’t want to lose their best players.
“Maybe (there’ll be something before the weekend), we’ll see.
“It’s usually the middle of the month – if loans aren’t going too well then the parent club has the chance to recall them.
“We’ll be working on all sorts over the next week or so. We don’t want to let many go, we want to strengthen, but there might be one or two that will change, and it just happens.”
Writer’s View
After narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season, this season seems to be one of consolidation for Blackpool. Bruce has previously revealed his desire to return the club to the Championship, although has admitted that will take time. This month could be used to tweak the squad slightly in order to secure a top half finish. This will allow the manager to build in the summer ahead of a potential promotion bid next season.
