Neil Critchley hoping for last-day deals to boost Blackpool squad

This is the final day clubs are permitted to complete any domestic deals, whether they be permanent or loan switches. The Seasiders still have one spot free in their 22-man squad, while further spaces could emerge if current members of the squad are moved on. Blackpool have already brought in 15 players since the end of last season, while a further 20 have left the club. When asked if further activity is likely on the final day of the window, Critchley told The Gazette: “We’re working like we were on the first day of the window. And we’re still working up until the last day of the window. “If we think there are people who can still improve our squad and it falls into our salary cap, then yes, we’ll be looking at that.” Jamie Devitt is one of those players who could depart the club, having recently been linked with a loan move to League Two side Newport County. The 30-year-old remains on Blackpool’s books, despite not being given a squad number for the 2020/21 campaign. It’s understood the Seasiders are keen to move on the former Carlisle United man but as yet no move has materialised. With the transfer window closing today, it raises the prospect of Devitt sitting out the remainder of his contract despite not getting any first-team action. Speaking to The Gazette last week, Critchley praised Devitt for the manner in which he has handled being frozen out of the squad this season. “Dev has been involved with us since minute one of pre-season. He’s had some games for us and has featured in behind-closed-doors games in the last few weeks,” Critchley said. “He’s been brilliant to work with. He’s a really good professional, he understands the situation and he wants to go and play games. He wants to get his career going again. “He’s had a bad time with injury in the past 12 to 18 months, so he’s doing his best to sort that situation out for himself. “I for one hope he can because he’s desperate to go and play football again and we’re hopeful that can happen for him.” Recent recruits Daniel Gretarsson and Dan Ballard could make their Blackpool debuts at Crewe Alexandra tomorrow. Gretarsson has enjoyed a full week of training, having only arrived in the UK late last week following his move from Norwegian side Aalesund. Ballard, meanwhile, will train with his new Blackpool teammates for the first time today since joining on loan from Arsenal. The centre-back featured for Northern Ireland on Wednesday, playing the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 defeat to Norway. James Husband also returns, having served his one-match suspension.