Blackpool head coach Steve Bruce insists he will focus on quality over quantity when it comes to transfer dealings this month.
The Seasiders are winless in their last five League One outings, although that run includes just one loss. They snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat yesterday afternoon when Kyle Joseph bagged a 93rd minute equaliser against title-challengers Wycombe Wanderers. However, the Chairboys had been down to 10 men for the majority of the second half after defender Alex Hartridge was shown a second yellow card in the 55th minute.
It’s a result which kept Blackpool 15th in the table in what looks increasingly likely to be a season of consolidation. After narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season, the decision to part company with Neil Critchley after just two games showed where their ambitions laid.
Bruce arrived at Bloomfield Road in September, steadying the ship, but an injury crisis throughout October and November proved pivotal. Despite their recent lack of victories, the result against Wrexham on Boxing Day is their only defeat in eight games.
Bruce Keen To Do The Right Business
The 64-year-old has previously stated that he is looking to bring players in this month. His stance hasn’t changed, although he now insists that he will only commit to a deal if they are right for the team. Speaking to The Blackpool Gazette, Bruce said:
“A month ago we were without eight to 10, and we found it very difficult to cope. I’ve said since I walked through the door here, if I’ve got the team that I think can go and compete, then we’ll be okay.
“If we’ve got four or five injuries to key players, then we’ll find it a bit of a struggle.
“That tells you – yes, we’ve got enough bodies, but have we got enough quality when it really matters. It’s really difficult when you lose your best players, and that happens at elite level, not just this level.
“The key is bringing in two or three bodies that can make a difference. Unless that materialises in January, then we’ll have to be patient and wait until the summer, and start the recruitment process again.”
Writer’s View
Bruce’s latest comments indicate that he is happy to consolidate Blackpool’s position this season and focus on the long term. Neither promotion or relegation looks likely this season, so the summer business could be crucial to what the manager wants to achieve next season. It appears as if the former Birmingham City boss is willing to almost write off this campaign and focus on a promotion push next year.
