Blackpool had a solid season in what was their first year back in the Championship this year.

Under the management of Neil Critchley, the Tangerines got finished the league sat 16th in the table.

Now looking ahead to next season, the team will be looking to build upon this progress and push further up the table.

However, following the departure of Neil Crtichley, as he left the club to join the coaching staff at Aston Villa, the club will be looking for a new manager first and foremost in the hope that whoever they appoint will be able to get the business right this summer and help the club's progression.

There have been a number of names linked with the job so far including Ian Evatt, Michael Duff and Liam Rosenior and with the transfer window officially opening on Friday, the club will no doubt be keen to get an appointment made quickly.

With that in mind, here we take a look at 8 Championship players Blackpool could realistically target in this summer's transfer window.

Blackpool look to be in need of a new goalkeeper this summer with current number one Chris Maxwell attracting attention from Everton whilst Dan Grimshaw has also been attracting interest.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Blackpool are interested in the current Hull City man who fell out of favour in the second half of the season and ended up on an emergency loan at Luton Town and representing for them in the play-offs.

Therefore, this shows the goalkeeper's desire to be playing regular first team football and if that opportunity isn't there at Hull, he would be open to a move.

As a solid keeper at this level, this would be a good signing for the Tangerines.

Ryan Nyambe has been a core part of the Blackburn squad this season making 31 appearances for the side and although he has been offered a new contract at the club, he is yet to make a decision about where his future lies.

Blackpool have only one right-back in their squad meaning this is an area they will be looking at adding to and the 24-year-old has plenty of experience at this level.

Therefore, he would be a solid signing that could contribute on and off the pitch at Blackpool.

Blackburn captain Darragh Lenihan is another player out of contract at Ewood Park this summer and is yet to commit his future to the club.

Although Blackpool have extended Richard Keogh's contract for another season, as the experienced defender gets older he will be playing less and therefore it can't hurt to bring Lenihan into the club too especially if he's available on a free transfer.

Furthermore, the defender has made 219 appearances in the Championship showing the wealth of experience he would bring to the club.

Callum Styles looks certain to leave Barnsley this summer given the club's relegation to League One.

The 22-year-old had a great season making 43 appearances for the Tykes and scoring three goals.

There has been reported interest in the player from newly promoted Premier League sides Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth but no moves have been made yet and given he has another year on his contract at Barnsley it could prove to be a risky move for any of these clubs.

The newly promoted sides will be looking to stay in the top flight next season and therefore will want to find experience in their sides but Styles has not played in the Premier League yet.

Therefore, if interest was to cool from these sides, Blackpool could be a perfect place for him to take the step up back into the Championship before aiming to push on.

Yoann Barbet is set to leave QPR this summer after rejecting a new contract with the club therefore making him available as a free transfer.

In that case, it would be silly of the Tangerines not to show an interest in gaining the player's services given how well he has done at Loftus Road.

He played 41 games for QPR this season putting in consistently solid defensive displays as well as being able to contribute two goals and an assist.

At this level, he has proven his quality and would be an excellent signing on a free transfer.

Andre Gray proved to be solid in the Championship this season scoring ten goals in 28 appearances on loan at QPR and given his contract is up at Watford this summer, he will be available on a free transfer.

Gray is a striker with a lot of experience and despite being 30-years-old, this season he proved he can still perform consistently.

There are a number of Championship clubs linked with him so it could be a bit of a contest to get him and wages could also cause an issue as he would have to take a significant cut from what he was on at Watford.

But, if a deal could be made, he would be a solid signing for the side.

Lee Wallace is a solid left-back and could help Blackpool out defensively next season.

The 34-year-old is out of contract with QPR this summer and set to leave the club making him a free transfer.

This season he made 21 appearances for the club and was able to contribute two assists as well.

His injury record may be a cause for concern but he's a player with plenty of experience and that's what Blackpool need on and off the pitch if they're looking to progress up the table.

Lee Buchanan is out of contract with Derby County this summer and given the off the pitch situation at the club, his future looks very uncertain.

However during his time with the Rams, the left-back has made 70 appearances at Championship level showing he's more than capable of competing in the league.

Furthermore at only 21-years-old, he's still got plenty of room to develop as a player and Blackpool could be a great place for him to do so.