With just 1 win in 7 league games, Blackpool currently sit in 23rd place in League One holding just 4 points, and the question everyone around the club is asking is; What is leading them to have failure after such high hopes at the beginning of their season?
Blackpool’s Transfer Window
Throughout their window, the Tangerines strengthened all areas of their squad from their man between the sticks to the target man upfront.
Standout signings were managing to get the signature of Bailey Peacock-Farrell on loan from Birmingham as he is fighting for the No.1 spot, Jordan Brown from Leyton Orient fitting in perfectly in their midfield, Fraser Horsfall from League One side Stockport County after shining for them last season, George Honeyman from Millwall who brings a huge threat into their attacking style of play and finally the return of Niall Ennis from Stoke on a permanent transfer.
With such an improvement on paper after managing to get hold of plenty of talents who seemed like they would fit perfectly into the squad, fans were very satisfied with the amount of improvements they have managed to make before the season started, leaving the only doubt which was how long it would take before the new faces start to click together?
Season Summary So Far
Facing Stevenage at home in the opening game of their season, it turned out to be a challenging goal fest where they were slightly edged out thanks to a Jamie Reid brace from the away side, and despite being handed no points there were plenty of positives including debut goals from George Honeyman and Niall Ennis to start their season
Things worsened after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Exeter at St James Park followed by another 0-1 home defeat to Port Vale in the Carabao Cup and getting knocked out in the first round. Surely it was only a matter of time before the team started to gel? That seemed rightly so after managing to edge past promotion contenders Huddersfield Town at home 3-2 after a brace from Niall Ennis and Lee Evans bagging goals for the home side.
After finally managing to get their first win of the season, it seemed the side finally could get on track and continue their winning ways, but after losing their following game 2-0 away to Mansfield Town they were back to their losing form which kept on repeating itself. Being defeated 1-0 against Plymouth and still managing to be held out to a draw against Bolton, fans are really starting to lose patience with the side. In their most recent game, the nail was in the coffin for their losing streak as they lost to Northampton Town 1-0 at Sixfields as it seems Steve Bruce is under a lot of pressure
What Are The Potential Issues?
Due to having such a huge change in the squad with so many new players arriving at the club, the side could still be getting used to each other and what they can bring to the club. Another influence which could be affecting the players is the style they are being forced to play under which might not suit them. With the 4-4-2 formation being played out and favoured by Steve Bruce, some new signings may be struggling to bring out their strengths and shine in the side which may also be the reason they are struggling which leads to the question; is Steve Bruce the issue in the squad?
Steve Bruce
The experienced manager, previously managing 11 other clubs in his managerial career currently has the opportunity to bring Blackpool into glory and bring them into the EFL Championship which he has an exceptional level of experience in, however as the season progresses it looks like he is closer to heading into EFL League Two, which might be because of his tactics and style of play he is forcing upon the players.
Bruce loving the 4-4-2 formation, demands a high amount of possession, and favours a calm and deliberate pass with ball control. Despite his previous success with his tactics, he may need a change as his current club doesn’t seem to be excelling in this and is having more losses on their tally as his time is running out. Can Steve Bruce find a way to turn his club around and force a change which will bring the best out of all players?
Can Blackpool FC find a way to turn their season around, or are they going to continue their losing form and pull off the surprising switch into League Two?
