One of Blackpool’s out-of-loan players could return to the club in January, and in the last few weeks, he has hit top form.
After receiving excellent evaluations in recent weeks, Rob Apter’s comeback at Tranmere Rovers is something that Blackpool manager Neil Critchley hopes to maintain.
Until at least January, the youthful midfield player is on loan in League Two with Tranmere; a decision will be made in the New Year. During the initial portion of his loan, he struggled to get first-team minutes, but in the past few weeks, he has performed well, which has given him more confidence.
Until the end of October, Apter had not started a league game for Tranmere. Since then, he has started the team’s past three games across all competitions.
He has witnessed a manager sacking, with Ian Dawes, the man who brought him to the club, dismissed and replaced by interim boss Nigel Adkins, who has since given him a new lease of life at Brunton Park.
“When Rob first went to Tranmere, it was a difficult period for him,” said Critchley last Thursday when asked to review Apter’s time spent away from the club so far.
“The manager who took him got sacked very quickly after that, unfortunately. Rob has had to be patient. He was in the squad, on the bench, and getting a few minutes. He’s shown perseverance, and that’s what Rob has got.”
He has had several loan spells away from Bloomfield Road, including spells at Bamber Bridge, Chester, and Scunthorpe United. Tranmere is his first Football League loan, however, and so far he’s made 12 appearances in all competitions. In total, he’s made five starts and come off the bench seven times.
In the past two weeks, Apter has scored in the FA Cup, tying the score should the Tangerines advance to the third round. He was also voted man-of-the-match after contributing to the weekend’s 3-0 victory over Forest Green Rovers.
“He’s got personality and self-confidence,” Critchley continued. It’s been wonderful to watch him establish himself on the squad and gain more playing time in the previous few games. It’s been extremely good for him, and hopefully it will continue, as I know he scored a goal and stuff.”
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