Football Season Review

An excellent season for Blackpool in Neil Critchley’s first full season in charge as they won promotion to the Championship after victory over Lincoln City in the play-off final. The campaign started slowly for the Seasiders with just one win from their opening seven fixtures but they followed this up with six straight victories. A remarkable 16-match unbeaten run from early February propelled them into the play-off positions. After losing at Ipswich on 6th February, they recorded 15 wins, eight draws and just two defeats in their remaining 25 games. They played attractive football throughout the season, but their success was built on a solid backline. They conceded the lowest number of goals in the division (37) and kept the most clean sheets (21). The standout stars at the back were goalkeeper Chris Maxwell and on-loan Arsenal central defender Daniel Ballard. In attack, they were hampered by injuries to tricky winger CJ Hamilton and striker Gary Madine, but players stepped up. Sullay Kaikai was a threat throughout with his creativity and pace from wide positions. Jerry Yates provided most of the goals, netting 20 in the league. Blackpool look capable of thriving in the Championship. They have an astute manager, solid defensive foundations and dangerous players going forward. Also, they have momentum after an excellent finish to this season.

Player of the Season: Chris Maxwell