Blackpool added three players, including two after the deadline had passed, on a busy deadline day for the Tangerines.
After announcing the loan signing of Reuell Walters from League One rivals Luton Town, the Seasiders made the most of deal sheets being introduced to the EFL for the first time.
Karoy Anderson completed a move from Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season. And while Lee Evans departed for Bradford City late on Monday evening, there was still time for one final incoming. Leighton Clarkson completes Blackpool’s squad for the remainder of the season, joining on a permanent deal from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen.
It was a whirlwind few hours for the team placed 16th in League One, though they are just a point above the bottom four places. In one of the tightest relegation battles in recent years, second-bottom Northampton Town are one win away from catching Ian Evatt’s side. Five losses in their last six matches have increased fears of relegation from the third tier.
With that in mind, it was hardly surprising to see the Tangerines so active on deadline day. Almost half their business in this window came on the final day, starting with the arrival of Walters. The right-sided Hatters man moves to Bloomfield Road just days after he was absent from their squad for the third successive match, incidentally against Blackpool.
After starting for the Bedfordshire outfit in their opening two victories of the season, he has missed most of the campaign through injury. Following his first start since August on New Year’s Day against Exeter City, the 21-year-old hasn’t featured since for Jack Wilshere’s outfit, so he will have to be eased into the Tangerines line-up. Following their recent switch to a 3-4-1-2 formation, Blackpool are likely to utilise his services on the right side of that midfield four.
The arrival of Anderson looks like an exciting one, offsetting the loss of Evans to Bradford. He had started six of Charlton’s last ten Championship matches before switching East London for the north west. Following a loan spell at Aldershot Town, the Jamaican international has amassed 88 appearances for the Addicks. Anderson made 46 appearances as they won promotion from this level via the Play-Offs last season.
One Permanent Arrival & Departure
The departure of Lee Evans caught a few by surprise, but his destination was not a shock. A decade on from his loan spell at Bradford, the former Wales international returns to Valley Parade on a short-term deal. He has featured in 24 of the Tangerines League One encounters this season, though has drifted in and out of the side. Just over half of those appearances were starts, following 40 last season and ten goal contributions.
Rounding up Evatt’s business is Scottish Cup winner Clarkson from Aberdeen. Two and a half years after leaving the English game, the 24-year-old has moved back to the north west of England after departing Pittodrie. Along with that domestic success for the Dons, the Blackburn-born midfielder has European experience, part of 22 appearances he has made this term. He will likely compete with fellow new arrival Anderson for a spot in the Tangerines’ side, though both have the ability to play in the attacking midfield slot too.
On the face of it, these arrivals seem very promising. Time will tell if it is enough for Blackpool to turn around their poor fortunes, but they should certainly expect to see some improvements this month.