Blackpool are reportedly interested in out-of-contract Stockport County striker Paddy Madden, who could well become the man to lead the line at Bloomfield Road next season.
Madden was somewhat of a surprise omission from Stockport’s retained list after having another stellar season with the Hatters. The Irishman would score 22 times in all competitions this season and has shown no signs of slowing down despite his age.
Although he is now 34, Madden is still proving his worth at the level and would be a fine acquisition for many League One or League Two clubs. Despite spending the last few seasons out of the the third tier, the former Irish international has over 300 appearances in the division.
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported via his Patreon that Blackpool are one of the sides who are reportedly interested in Madden, who will be a free agent this summer having failed to agree new terms with Stockport.
Blackpool will face-off with the Hatters this season after the latter gained promotion as well as winning the League Two title.
As for the Tangerines, it was somewhat of a disappointing end to the season, missing out on the play-offs and there could be a high player turnover at Bloomfield Road this summer.
One player who may not be returning next season is loanee Jordan Rhodes, who dazzled for Neil Critchley’s side. The Huddersfield man would score 15 goals in League One despite missing a third of the season through injury.
With it looking unlikely that the striker will return to the club currently, there could be a bit of a void to fill in the attacking areas. Madden could be the ideal replacement and despite his age, would be worthy of a place in the starting eleven.
If the Irishman was to be brought in this summer, it’s unlikely that he’d be the only one, with the club perhaps opting for a more youthful option to learn from the veteran.
Writer’s View
The potential signing of a player who’s recent form comes in League Two and the National League perhaps isn’t the most exciting, but Madden is a proven goalscorer and could become a real hit at Bloomfield Road.
It’s obvious that the forward areas are a position in need of addressing if Rhodes isn’t to return to the club and his goals will be a rather large loss but Blackpool did show at points that they could cope without him.
Next year is set to be a big season for Critchley’s men who will be expected to at the very least make the play-offs. A poor start to the new season could see a potential managerial change with the high expectations that the club have.
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