Seasiders Facing Striker Shortage?

Whilst the executive boxes at Bloomfield Road on Saturday were alive with talk about the potential loan signing of Arsenal's Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (who was a guest at the game), there were also murmurings about an injury to 'Pool front-man Daniel Nardiello.

Vital Blackpool understands that Nardiello, who endured a torrid season last term with injury, will undergo surgery later today for an injury.

It is not yet understood what the nature of the injury is, or how long the surgery will keep Nards out for, but he will surely miss tomorrow night's game against Derby along with Ben Burgess who is an injury doubt having missed Saturday's game.

However, with Nardiello making an appearance from the bench on Saturday, it is clear that it is not a serious injury, which begs the question why the Welsh international is going to go under the knife when the Seasiders resources are already limited?

Surely having only just forced his way into the first team picture with a decent pre-season and a goal against Crewe in the Carling Cup last week, Nards would want to keep himself in Ian Holloway's plans rather than than run the risk of enduring a season like his last one again?

Whilst we can only speculate about the nature of Nard's injury and how long he'll be out for until the news is officially confirmed by the club, we can only hope that he is not out of action for too long.

Either way, he will be under great pressure to perform on his return, both from 'Pool boss Ian Holloway and the club's fans.

Moving on to the news about the potential signing of Thomas, the club are very hopeful that the youngster will sign having met Ian Holloway and watched the Seasiders' impressive performance against Cardiff on Saturday.

The 18 year old has been captain of Arsenal's Under 18s team since he was 16, and led them to FA Youth Cup success in May as well making an apperance on the Arsenal bench for The Gunners' last game of last season.

Indeed, Thomas enjoyed his best season since joining the club last season, and was awarded his first professional contract in the summer. He has continued his fine form in pre-season, including a starring role in a Arsenal XI's win over Lincoln City.

Mr. Versatile as he is known by Gunners fans, appeared in every position last season bar right back and goalkeeper, and would prove a very useful option to Ian Holloway, especially with Danny Coid currently injured.

Thomas is tall, strong and quick, and like all of Arsenal's youngsters, very skillful, and 'Pool fans will be hoping that he joins and lives up to his potential.

The signature of such a talented young player and indeed one that is seemingly quite highly rated by Arsenal would be a massive boost to the club, and another indication that the club are gradually moving in the right direction.

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