Appy Speaks Pre Bristol

Only a couple of weeks in, but Michael Appleton is already stringing together a couple of key themes in his talks to the media. The pre-match meet with the media was no different. In relation to the squad he said Blackpool have a 'ridiculous amount of players'.

Already the whole concept of the development squad is under review. ' At Portsmouth I kept asking 'are we a big enough club to have a development squad' and it is a question I will be asking here as well.'

Rather than work consistently with an unwieldy group, the new manager has already decided the focus must be on the first team squad. 'I have narrowed things down to 18-20 players who I will work with every day. Some people will I think I have been harsh on the others, but it's important that we focus on those and help them improve.'

So it seems that a large number will be ultimately transferred out. In the meantime, Appy is looking to get them out on loan. In that task at may well be the case that there is further movement along the Fylde coast to Fleetwood. 'I have spoken to Micky Mellon this week, he obviously has a couple of our players and he is interested in one or two more if we make them available.'

With two first team players, GTF and Matty Phillips out injured, Appy has also made it clear he will attempt to bring loan cover in for them, giving further clarification if needed that many of the development squad are far from being in a position to step up to the first team squad.

These sentiments will come as now surprise to many and bodes for interesting times at Bloomfield Road over the coming weeks.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.