Steve Bruce says he will continue to push for more signings at Blackpool despite bringing in 11 new players so far this summer.
The Seasiders boss expressed satisfaction with his transfer business but warned that performances must now improve on the pitch.
Dale Taylor’s £1 million arrival from Nottingham Forest last week added to a list of recruits including Fraser Horsfall, Michael Ihiekwe, George Honeyman, Niall Ennis, Franco Ravizzoli, Jordan Brown, Danny Imray, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Emil Hansson and Malcolm Ebiowei.
Several have already made their debuts in the opening two weeks of the campaign.
Squad Strengthened – Now for Results
Speaking before Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Exeter City, Bruce praised the quality of his summer incomings while making clear he would keep lobbying for further additions.
“If you look at what we’ve done, you’ve got to be delighted. We’ve brought in some good players who have done well in this division before so let’s look forward to it. If I don’t keep knocking on the door, then I’m not doing my job.
“We’ve got to keep improving and getting better. We’ve strengthened the squad significantly, so now we’ve got to put it into action.”
Blackpool’s recruitment drive was designed to build a squad capable of challenging at the top end of League One, but results so far have not matched expectations. A 3-2 home defeat to Stevenage on the opening day was followed by the heavy loss in Devon, where errors across the pitch proved costly.
Devon Disappointment
At St James Park, the Seasiders fell two goals behind early to strikes from Reece Cole and Jack Fitzwater. Ashley Fletcher pulled one back midway through the first half, but further efforts from Jayden Wareham and Sonny Cox sealed a comfortable win for Exeter.
Mistakes from goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and the defensive unit were compounded by a lack of threat in midfield and attack. Bruce was blunt in his assessment afterwards, acknowledging the squad’s potential but stressing the need for immediate improvement.
“We have to put our house in order first with what we’ve done. We’ve brought some very good players into the club, and I believe the squad is stronger to what it was this time last year.
“However, the proof is in the pudding, and we’ve still got a lot of work to do on the pitch to get these lads into shape.”
Writer’s View
Blackpool’s summer overhaul has brought in players with proven League One pedigree, but cohesion is clearly lacking. Bruce’s determination to keep “knocking on the door” for reinforcements shows he is not yet fully satisfied with his options, even after a busy window.
The challenge now is to blend the new arrivals into a functional, consistent side. With expectations high and early results disappointing, the Seasiders need to turn potential into points quickly if they are to mount a promotion challenge.
