'It's a position I'm capable of playing': James Husband confident he can do a job at centre-back for Blackpool despite early season mistakes

The 27-year-old switched from left-back to centre-back during the second-half of Blackpool’s hard-earned 1-0 win against Rochdale last night.

It came after Marvin Ekpiteta, who has started every league game for the Seasiders this season, was forced off with a hamstring injury.

While Pool came under pressure in the second period, Husband produced a resolute display to help Neil Critchley’s side grind out an important three points.

“It was a game of two halves I think. We controlled the game in the first-half but in the second-half they probably came on better,” the defender said.

“But to keep a clean sheet against a side that has scored a lot of goals this season, we’ve got to be happy.

“It’s a good result, but we would have liked to have played better in the second-half. But three points is three points.

“We controlled the first-half but we weren’t at it all night, but that’s probably what happens when you’ve had 10 days off and two games postponed.

“Mentally we were ready for those games to go ahead, so we had to stop, get ready and stop again. I know it’s an easy excuse but we’re just happy to get the three points.

“There aren’t many teams that have shut these out this season. Although it was tough graft in the end, we managed to see it through.”

Husband struggled playing in the centre at the start of the season, picking up red cards in the games against Lincoln City and Charlton Athletic.

But the left-back believes those dismissals were isolated incidents and he backs himself to perform in the centre as and when required.

“It’s a bit different for me playing on the right side of central defence as I’m left footed,” he explained.

“As a left-back you’re obviously attacking a lot as well, so it’s a different role. But I’d like to think it’s a position I’m capable of playing.

“I know I had a bit of a nightmare playing there earlier in the season but I know I can do it and the gaffer trusts me to do it.

“I’ve played there before. It’s all about problem solving, but I’d like to think I’m intelligent enough to work it out.

“There were two isolated mistakes I made playing in that position, it wasn’t a major issue it was just a case of adjusting slightly.

“Marvin has been unbelievable in the centre the whole season to be honest, so I’m gutted he’s done his hamstring.

“Garbs (Luke Garbutt) did well when he came on as well, so it was just a case of batting down the hatches and getting the three points over the line in the end.”

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