Deadline Day…

Simon Gillett and Paul Rachubka were of course Grayson’s first two loan signings in the current window, back in January. However since then players have gone either way…

Yesterday it was confirmed that left back Robbie Williams [Barnsley] and Winger Chris Brandon [Huddersfield] followed soon after. The pair have signed loan deals until 27th May – the date of the Playoff final should (fingers crossed!!!) Blackpool make it that far this season. Both are highly-rated players at their prospective clubs – maybe moreso with the fans than the management! – and are certain to aid ‘Pool in their promotion push – afterall, Robbie Williams went through the whole process last season with Barnsley, resulting in the penalty shoot-out playoff final win against Swansea City.

Larry may have ‘shut that door’ on any moves for players to leave the club before the deadline, however 2 deals have been signed for players departing the club on a temporary basis – at least for the time being.

Matthew Blinkhorn has today had his loan deal with Morecambe – for whom he scored on his debut – until the end of the season. The Blackpool-born youngster has had a clause in his contract added however, for a 24 hour recall should anything happen to one of the current strike force.

Ciaran Donnelly has also left Bloomfield Road until the end of the season. He has signed with struggling Macclesfield. The former England youth international has found himself out of favour at the club since Steve McMahon was in charge. Initially impressing on a 3 month loan from north-west rivals Blackburn Rovers, the midfielder signed permanently under manager Colin Hendry and was a fringe player at the club in his time in charge – occasionally filling in at right wing and left wing.

Donnelly – who turns 23 next month – is out of contract in the summer and this may mean that the youngster will be out of the door permanently at the end of the season after failing to break into the team under Simon Grayson.

He will join fellow ‘Pool loanee Simon Wiles at the League Two club and will be reunited with former Blackpool favourites Martin Bullock and John Murphy.