The Unlucky Blackpool Seven?

With The Seasiders appointing Ian Holloway as their new manager late last week, an announcement on the retained list should be imminent.

Nine players from the first team squad are out of contract at Bloomfield Road: Matty Kay, Danny Coid, Brett Ormerod, Marlon Broomes, Jermaine Wright, Francesco Carratta, Stuart Green, David Fox and Claus Jørgensen.

Of these nine players, just four made over five appearances for the club last campaign, and it is likely that a number will be let go as a new era begins by the seaside.

But who should be leaving Squires Gate to pursue a career elsewhere?

Well, there are a number of certainties to be given the boot, if you ask ‘Pool fans. Midfielders Stuart Green, Jermaine Wright and Matty Kay are almost definitely going to leave the club when it is announced in the near future.

Add to that the inevitable nature of Marlon Broomes’ departure, five players’ futures are up in the air, and it would take a brave man to bet on the outcome of talks between Chairman Karl Oyston, the manager Ian Holloway and assistant Steve Thompson – who it seems is key to these discussions.

Danny Coid
27-year-old Danny Coid is a one club man, notching up over 250 games for the Seasiders in his ten year stint at the club. Able to play in either full back role and right across the midfield, Danny is Mr Versatile which has been to his detriment in the past. But more recently injuries have been his downfall, and despite his adaptability, he could be on his way.
Prediction: Released.

Brett Ormerod
Signed at the back end of January for the remainder of the season, Ormerod has certainly done enough to warrant a new deal at Bloomfield Road. Despite only scoring two goals, his performances up front and most notably on the wing will surely seal him a contract.
Prediction: Kept.

Francesco Carratta
Again, Carratta was signed at the back end of January until the end of the season. However, unlike Ormerod, the midfielder couldn’t break into the first team and despite being an up and coming player, may find himself without a club.
Prediction: Released.

David Fox
A Blackpool career that has really tailed away. Fox was signed by Simon Grayson three years ago and played in the side which fought off relegation from League One. As time has gone by, Fox has come under consistent criticism from certain sections of the support (myself included) and is likely to be let go after failing to establish himself under the Parkes/Thompson regime.
Prediction: Released.

Claus Jorgensen
Claus is the one player I simply cannot call whether or not he will be at Bloomfield Road next season, although there are rumours that he’s already left the club. Since signing in the promotion season, the central midfielder has been a revelation, but has largely played a part from the bench in the last 12 months. Although some of the Blackpool support don’t understand the role he plays for the team – both on and off the pitch – I believe Claus deserves another year by the seaside, and even at 33, has a role to offer – even as a bit-part player.

If Ian Holloway was to release seven of the nine mentioned, that would leave just 17 players on the Blackpool books (three of which are kids).

Quotes in the press today are suggesting that perhaps we’re in the quiet summer transfer-wise. I wouldn’t believe that for a second – expect at least six summer signings at Bloomfield Road.