Transfer Dust Settles On Blackpool

So, it's two days since The Seasiders added midfielders Charlie Adam and Francesco Carratta to their squad on deadline day, time spent evaluating how well Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson perfomed in the market, and whether 'Pool are still short of a player or two.

The holy grail (emergency loan market to others) re-opens for business next Tuesday and the duo management team will almost certainly dip back in to sign a striker.

This comes after missing out on a striker on deadline day - believed to be Alan Gow, who joined Norwich City. On loan Krisztian Nemeth from Liverpool is currently injured for six weeks, and it could be unlikely that he stays at Bloomfield Road given Liverpool's lack of front men presently. His injury has left DJ Campbell, Brett Ormerod and the recovering Danny Mitchley as the only recognised strikers, although Gary Taylor-Fletcher has been operated in a forward role recently.

The location of 'Pool's new striker target is unknown, although reports had suggested Parkes contacted both Stoke City and Manchester United in January regarding new blood - whether this is true or not is up for debate.

Moving away from the striking situation for a moment; The Seasiders have acted swiftly in the pursuit of a creative but also tough midfield player with the signings of Paul Marshall and more notably the aforementioned Charlie Adam, which seems to have gone a long way to stitching up some fundamental problems in the middle of midfield.

Marshall looks as if he has a bit of steel about him, which has been missing since Keith Southern's injury last month, and was glaringly absent in the 3-0 home defeat to QPR last week.

Adam on the other hand adds that extra quality on the ball, which 'Pool have lacked since Richie Wellens left if you're after guile in possession.

What is important about the two loan acquisitions is the freedom this now gives David Vaughan. The Welsh international has found it difficult to stamp his authority at Bloomfield Road since his move from Real Sociedad, and injury permitting, the move for more central midfielders may give Vaughan an extended run in the side out wide on the left - where he has looked productive.

It also adds more balance to an area which has been a bit up and down in recent times. Long term (looking ahead a month from now) the midfield seems to pick itself with Charlie Adam and Keith Southern (once fit) being the stand outs in the middle. O'Donovan and Vaughan on each wing would be my preferred choice - but where does this leave Gary Taylor-Fletcher once we inevitably sign a new striker next week? We might have some serious options towards the end of the month - which could prove to be the litmus test for Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson in their quest to become Blackpool's next manager.

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