Blackpool sporting director shares club transfer mantra – amid change since Steve Bruce’s arrival.
David Downes, the sporting director for Blackpool, claims that the team has adhered to its summertime credo of
concentrating on their numerical goals.
As they aim to make a strong push for promotion in the upcoming season, the Seasiders have had a hectic opening
month of the transfer market.
Fraser Horsfall and Michael Ihiekwe, defensive acquisitions, began work in early June following the expiration of
their contracts with Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County, respectively.
Before striker Niall Ennis returned on a permanent contract after making an impression on loan the previous season,
the midfield was strengthened with the acquisition of former Millwall player George Honeyman.
Ahead of the team’s recent foreign training session in Spain, keeper Franco Ravizzoli, a former Wycombe Wanderers
player, is the most recent addition.
A year of change at Bloomfield Road
It’s been a big 12 months of change for Blackpool, which has required a certain amount of adaptability from the
recruitment team at Bloomfield Road.
The primary goal in the summer of last year was to sign players who would fit Neil Critchley’s wing-back system, but
that altered just two league games into the 2024–25 season after the former Liverpool youth coach was fired.
The primary areas of focus have subsequently been established by the 4-4-2 formation that was put in place after
Steve Bruce was hired in early September.
Along with the new players, there have been a number of departures since the start of the season as the current
Seasiders management keeps putting his own spin on things.
“Clearly, things have changed, and the biggest thing is formation,” Downes said.
“January was a bit of change around in terms of players out – the gaffer wanted to work with a smaller squad. He
started to shape it, but the idea was always that this summer was going to be the opportunity to give him the chance
to have the biggest influence over it so far.
Some players are suited for particular formations and styles, while others are not.
“We must treat the guys fairly and provide them with some clarification. When we switched back to a 4-4-2, it was
clear that some players didn’t enjoy it. Some players were better suited to the defence three, midfield three, and so
on.
“We must take care of our own home. The coach was eager to use a smaller team than the one we had the summer
before.
“The skill in recruitment is to be prepared as you can be in an ever-changing market. We already had Rob (Apter)
and CJ (Hamilton) in the building, so it didn’t leave us in an impossible position, just light in certain areas.
“It’s nice to recruit wide players and forward players because they’re the exciting positions people are drawn to.
Steve and I have collaborated on a few projects together, so I am aware of his needs and desires. The same is true of
Dean Hughes, who has collaborated with him at Hull and Villa. To be fair to the gaffer, we have focused on the ones
we wanted early, and our business to date reflects this.
“The guiding principle has been to adhere to our goals and our top priorities. We have remained loyal to the players
we wanted to sign, but it can be challenging since other teams will also be looking at them. We have benefited from a
strong start and have been ready to be patient.
“It’s a bit strange this year, with staggered starts, so we anticipated the beginning of the window being a little bit
quieter, but we’ve been able to acquire what we’ve wanted quickly into areas where we needed reinforcements.”
Support from the owner
According to Downes, he has always felt supported by Simon Sadler, the owner of Blackpool, and his drive for this
summer is evident.
The Seasiders’ sporting director was eager to highlight the advancements made in other areas of the organisation in
addition to the funds allocated to the team.
He continued by saying, “Simon’s support has always been there.”
We’re trying to get things going throughout the club and get us to a point where we’re better than we have been both
on and off the pitch. Its not just about what’s happening with the first team players; you can see the changes at the
training ground.
We’re attempting to be ambitious and compete with some of the bigger boys based on the signings we’ve made.
“Players are sticking with Steve’s appeal and Simon’s passion for the project and we’ve been able to capitalise on
that.”
It’s thrilling, not only for the players but also for the staff who get a little boost from seeing that things are attempting
to pick up steam and move in the correct way.
We would have snapped your hand off if you had said we’d have that point, but we want to do more.
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