Thursday 2 July 2015 16:28, UK
Blackpool manager Neil McDonald believes the club need “six to eight new players” if they are to be ready for the start of the Football League season.
Ten players reported back to Blackpool’s first day of pre-season training, four of whom have never played in the Football League, but McDonald has recruited six new players as he attempts to re-build a side that were relegated from the Championship last season.
Reflecting on a “very, very good month” since taking over as manager, McDonald is confident the club will add more signings in an attempt to stabilise the club.
“It’s been a great month coming into a new club and trying to change a few people’s perception on how it’s going to go, change the mentality, meet the players, recruit the players and try to integrate the new staff,” McDonald told Sky Sports News HQ. “It’s been a very, very good month.
“It takes time to bring players in but we’ve had six already which is great, in different positions as well. We’ll try as we go along to add as many as we can, but they have to be quality to add to the players that we’ve got to create that competition to try and win some games.
“It’s been good that people have been throwing players at us. We’ve been doing a little bit of research on the players and I’ve brought two brilliant scouts in to try and help me on that.
“We need another six to eight players if we possibly can in different positions. We’re hoping for another three to come in hopefully next week and then add as we need to.
“The first game is on the 8th (August) and we’ll certainly have a competitive squad come that day.”
Blackpool’s troubles were both on and off the pitch last season, with chairman Karl Oyston suspended from any football activity for six weeks following a Football Association disciplinary hearing after he sent insulting texts to a supporter.
The club was also charged by the FA following a pitch invasion against Huddersfield Town on the final day of the campaign as supporters staged a protest against Oyston in the centre circle while the match was being played.
But McDonald, who succeeded Lee Clark as manager, was full of praise for Oyston’s role in recruiting new signings.
“The chairman has been brilliant,” added McDonald. “He’s bought players, not just enquired about players available on frees. We’ll do our homework and he is willing to spend the money so long may that continue.”
