Seasiders’ signings were ‘excellent’

Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson had their work cut out in January. Not only did they need results on the pitch to prove their worth as a management duo, they also needed to improve a squad which had just been cut in half following the exits of eight loan players.

In came Graeme Owens, DJ Campbell, Paul Marshall, Charlie Adam, Krisztian Nemeth, Roy O’Donovan, Francesco Carratta and Brett Ormerod. Looking down that list, it’s no surprise that 48 per cent of you thought the business down in January was excellent.

Roy O’Donovan has become a regular on the wing and is improving with every game he plays. DJ Campbell’s four goals in five games speaks for itself. Charlie Adam oozed class and control in midfield on Saturday before his rush of blood to the head cost him dearly. And then there’s the return of Brett Ormerod! Not a bad collection of signings for two men thrust into the job unexpectedly.

Blackpool also managed to ship out a couple of players to even-out the squad numbers. Marlon Broomes and Daniel Nardiello joined League One clubs Crewe and Hartlepool respectively. And Ian Harte was released following the return to fitness of Danny Coid and Stephen Crainey.

January’s transfer dealings should see the Seasiders through to survival at the end of the season. But more consistency is needed. After two good wins and two poor defeats in our last four, a long unbeaten run would be most welcome to lift Blackpool away from danger.