Why Blackpool must give Nile Ranger his last chance

Blackpool picked up their first home win in nine months on Tuesday night, their second success of the season, but as we approach the end of September, things are still looking bleak for the club, as yet another relegation looms.

Neil McDonald’s is trying to change things at the club, working on a shoe-string budget and the infamous transfer policy which the club tends to adapt, by signing either young loanees or free agents.

And following the arrivals of Martin Paterson and David Norris on frees a fortnight ago, the club have failed to add to their squad, despite having players on trial.

Winger Adam Hamill and centre-half Zac Whitbread have both been training at Squires Gate recently, but deals haven’t been finalised for the two thus far. How many times have Pool fans heard this over the years?

For me, it’s a no brainer. Yes, they have both been without a club for a while and match fitness is an issue, but they are two players who would add quality to a Pool side that is pretty much devoid of it. Having spent the majority of their careers in the Championship, both Whitbread and Hammill would make cracking additions to any League One side.

Hammill spent time at Bloomfield Road on loan back in 2008, and he’s a player I have fond memories of. I was in the ground when Hammill scored a belting goal against our bitter rivals Preston, although we went on to lose that game 3-1!

I’ve followed his career closely ever since and getting Hammill back in a tangerine shirt would be a great piece of business from McDonald. A winger with genuine pace and stunning skills, the former Liverpool man would give the side that extra bit of creativity they are craving.

Another player who I would consider bringing back to the club is Nile Ranger. The controversial forward has posted videos of him training in his Blackpool kit this week, but McDonald has once again said that Ranger has no future at the club.

You can’t blame the manager, because Ranger hasn’t even played a game since November last year after going AWOL. But as I said earlier, we’re bottom of the league with nothing to lose. Why not stick Ranger back into the team?

Because when he did decide to turn up and play last season, he looked very good and sharp in the Championship. And when Ranger was last in League One at Swindon Town, he had a great goals-to-game ratio.

Given the last 18 months the club has gone through, reinstating Ranger into a side that is struggling for goals would hardly be the most controversial of decisions. It is obvious that Blackpool need players, and they need them now.