Football Season Guide

Blackpool are one of the league's major unknowns going into the new campaign, as their current manager Neil Critchley, whose previous experience consists only on coaching Liverpool youth sides, took over only on March the third, therefore having absolutely no time to prove himself before the pandemic caused the season to be abandoned. The Tangerines actually had a decent campaign last time around, having still had play-off hopes when the action was interrupted. The atmosphere surrounding the club was excellent following the long-awaited departure of the Oyston family from the club and their fans maintain hopes that the side can start an ascension up the leagues, having been a solid Championship side not that long ago. What is clear is that Critchley's ideas largely differ from the ones of his predecessor Simon Grayson, as he has overseen a summer clearout that saw several regulars leave, with the list of those departed including Armand Gnanduillet, Nathan Delfouneso, Ryan Edwards and Jay Spearing. Critchley want his side to play less direct football than they have so far and the list of signings is in line with that, with the Tangerines having signed as many as five potential starters in forward positions. The squad seems to be on a similar level compared to last season's one, but whether or not the Tangerines can actually compete for a play-off finish depends on how good of a manager Critchley turns out to be.