Scout Report: Danny Fox

Originally I was going to profile Adam Rooney after he was offered to the Seasiders by his agent last week, but with the news that he is set to sign for lower league moneybags Crawley, I have decided to look at a left back.

Later this week we should know whether or not Stephen Crainey is going to sign a new deal at Bloomfield Road; if he doesn’t, and leaves on a free transfer, then the Seasiders will need at least one new left back desperately – step forward Burnley’s Danny Fox.

25 year old Fox began his career on Everton’s books but failed to make the breakthrough there, being released in 2005 following loans at Gateshead and Stranraer.

Upon his release by the Toffees he signed for Walsall, where he racked up over 100 appearances in all competitions in a defence that included Scott Dann – a player linked with all and sundry this summer.

In January 2008, following much speculation about his future, Fox completed a move to Coventry City alongside Dann.

Just 18 months later, Scottish giants Celtic made a move for Fox, getting the left back for a fee in the region of £1.5 million.

However, after just six months north of the border, Fox moved to then Premier League side Burnley for £1.8 million.

He has one cap for the England U21s, but switched allegiances to Scotland in 2009 and has one cap for the Tartan Army.

Fox is a player who would suit our system perfectly.

Although he is quite weak positionally (I told you he’d fit perfectly!), he is an attacking full back who is reknowned for his delivery into the box.

That said, he doesn’t shirk his defensive duties; he’s good in the air and solid in the tackle.

At 25 he still has room for improvement, and it is my understanding that his wage demands would not present too much of a problem for the Seasiders.

The problem would lay with whether Burnley were willing to lose him, and even if they were willing to cash in to give them money to strengthen elsewhere, would we really spend around £2 million on any player let alone a full back?