One thing that Jose Riga didn't seem to buy in to was the short term loan market despite being desperately short in certain positions. Riga seemed to be of the 'make do and mend' mentality which in the end could have cost him his job. Had he have used that system then a left back against Huddersfield, Derby and Reading could well have got us more than we did. In contrast, Lee Clark has identified we're not scoring goals and immediately attempted to do something about it.

Jacob Murphy is his first signing. Every player can look good on paper but Murphy seems to have the right players and credentials although lacks the experience and record to get too excited. The Norwich striker who joins on a 3 months loan started his career by being born in the right place - Wembley. A forward, he made his pro debut for Norwich in the FA Cup before joining Swindon and Southend on loan. Just the one goal in thirteen games is well short of what you'd hope for and against teams in the bottom two divisions. However, clearly Clark sees something in the young lad to add to his attacking options at Bloomfield Road.

Lee Clark has said of the player "Jacob's very versatile in the front part of the pitch - he can play on the left, right, in off the striker or as a second striker. He's got an abundance of pace and great attacking ability. I remember seeing him play in the impressive Norwich youth team that went on to win the FA Youth Cup, and he's since been in and around the Norwich first-team and they think highly of him. He's also had a spell with Swindon. We think that he can give us that injection of pace, certainly in the wide areas, that we feel that we're just a bit lacking at the moment. He brings lots of enthusiasm as a young player and will give us good options. I don't want to put too much pressure on him but we're excited that we have got a player with genuine pace who can stretch teams and get in behind them, as well as having the ability to beat a player or two and get crosses and shots in."

Murphy has stated "I'm here to work hard and hopefully the results will come, and we'll get Blackpool up the table. It's my first chance at Championship level and I'm really eager for it to get underway, and show Blackpool and everyone what I've got. I'm here to help get points on the board and score some goals, and see where we can go. We need a good result to kick-start a run for us. Ricky (Martin) at Norwich knew the Gaffer here, they had a couple of phone calls and got the move going. Lee is a really great guy, I like what he's trying to do at the club, and I think this is the right way forward. I'm delighted to be here, now it's a big step for me to put a marker down in The Championship. It's a really good group of boys. I know John Lundstram, Nile Ranger from Swindon and Donervon Daniels as well, now the main thing is to get my head down."

Jacob Murphy looks like he'll be the first of a number of new faces to head to Bloomfield Road over the next few weeks as Clark looks to add to his squad before the window closes.

Photo: Action Images

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