'Let's see' – Blackpool boss shares update on future of soon-to-be free agent

22/04/2024 12:51

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has suggested he wants to keep hold of James Husband this summer.

Blackpool have a big decision to make regarding the long-term future of the defender at the end of this season.

Husband, 30, sees his contract at Bloomfield Road expire in late June and he is due to become a free agent as things stand.

Critchley has said, as per a report by Blackpool Gazette: “Hubby is one of my lieutenants. I inherited him when I came here four years ago. Possibly him and Matty Virtue might be the only two left from that time, and there’s a reason for that, I trust them both. They’re great people and proper leaders.

“Hubby has been outstanding- he knows my thoughts and what I want to happen, so let’s see.”

Blackpool boss wants to keep defender

Retaining the services of Husband for another 12 months at least would be a shrewd move by Blackpool, regardless of what league they are in next term.

He is a useful player to have in the squad as he is experienced and can play at either centre-back or left-back.

The Seasiders signed him back in 2019 on an initial loan deal that was later made permanent and he has since been a great servant to the club.

He has made 175 appearances in all competitions to date, 45 of which have come in this campaign, and he has chipped in with one goal and nine assists.

Husband has also played for the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Huddersfield Town, Norwich City and Fleetwood Town in the past but has made Blackpool his home over recent years.

They risk losing him for free if they don’t hand him an extension over the next couple of months.

In the meantime, the Tangerines’ focus is on getting into the play-offs. Husband scored for them in their latest outing at home to Barnsley as they ran out 3-2 winners to keep their push for the top six alive, with Sonny Carey and Hayden Coulson also getting on the scoresheet.

Blackpool are back in action this weekend with an away trip to Reading as they look to keep their momentum going.

Critchley’s men are unbeaten in their last five outings and are a point off Lincoln City in 6th.

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