Blackpool FC have been forced to cancel their pre-season trip to Spain because they only have eight first team players – and no goalkeeper.
A staggering 27 players have left the club since the end of last season, leaving manager José Riga with no choice but to keep his side in Lancashire.
Tangerines chairman Karl Oyston told the club’s website that player acquisition was the primary reason for cancelling the tour:
The manager has taken the decision – and I agree with the decision – to cancel the pre-season tour so that our time is better served to try and get some of the player deals – that we’ve been trying to get over the line for some time – across the line.
Oyston downplayed the situation admirably, attempting to present it in a positive light. He told BBC Sport: “There is no panic,”
In fact, I see it as a benefit rather than a downside.
It allows the manager to bring in his own team, as opposed to a manager picking up a squad that is already overloaded and he doesn’t think is good enough.
Blackpool have until August 9 to get a squad together, when they kick off their Championship campaign against Nottingham Forest.
