Blackpool get their pre-season campaign underway with a trip to Southport

Blackpool will begin their pre-season campaign against Southport as supporters will hope to see a glimpse of several new additions.

Neil Critchley will want to introduce his new signings to first-team action as quickly as possible ahead of his sides’ first Championship campaign since 2014/15.

The visitors to Haig Avenue ended last season on the highest of notes with victory at Wembley over Lincoln City in the League One play-off final, and that positive feeling will still be fresh heading into a number of good tests.

A Blackpool XI will face Squires Gate on the Fylde Coast and with that in mind, the Seasiders are expected to name a strong eleven in their opening pre-season fixture.

It will be intriguing to see what formation the Tangerines use with the early signs pointing towards a 3-5-2 which was used to good effect in the latter stages of the last campaign.

A 4-3-3 could quite easily interchange with the latterly mentioned formation with the introduction of Josh Bowler and Sonny Carey bringing a much-needed depth to the wide options, with CJ Hamilton having missed the end of the season through injury and Sullay Kaikai being released.

With Daniel Gretarsson and Marvin Ekpiteta available for selection again, they will want to prove their worth as the best central defensive pairing as new arrivals Oliver Casey and Callum Connolly fight for a starting place.

As for the hosts, new number one Cameron Mason will face a baptism of fire against the fire power of Jerry Yates and co after he arrived on the coast from Curzon Ashton.

Likewise, a pair of new centre-halves in the form of Chris Doyle and Doug Tharme from FC United of Manchester and Connah’s Quay Nomads respectively will want to make a good impression for the home faithful.

Getting a few goals under their belt and a winning start to pre-season will be a huge bonus for Blackpool’s confidence, but this game will be all about fitness levels and getting back into the swing of things.

Sterner tests in the form of Rangers and Burnley will follow in the coming weeks so a gradual step up in fitness, intensity and competitive edge will see the team well set for their opening Championship fixture away at Bristol City.

Both home and away supporters can attend the game at Haig Avenue on Saturday with a return to full capacity merely 10 days away as an emergence of long-overdue normality will bring the life back to football.

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