Latest news with #BlackpoolFC
BBC News
04-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Blackpool sign defender Horsfall on four-year deal
Blackpool have signed central defender Fraser Horsfall from fellow League One outfit Stockport County on a four-year 28, will join the Seasiders on 1 July when his contract at Edgeley Park expires. The centre-back helped Stockport to promotion in 2024 and was part of the team that narrowly missed out on promotion in this season's League One play-offs with Dave Challinor's side losing to Leyton Orient on penalties in the the former County captain has reset his sights on promotion with Blackpool next season as he prepares to join Steve Bruce's squad. "With the size of this club they shouldn't be in this league, so the main goal is promotion," Horsfall told the club website, said: "We're delighted to get someone of Fraser's calibre signed early as he demonstrates the leadership qualities we're looking for to compete at the top end of this division."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New role for former Carlisle United favourite Keogh
Former Carlisle United favourite Richard Keogh has landed a new coaching role in League One. He has become assistant boss at Barnsley, having left his previous position at fellow third-tier club Blackpool. Keogh, 38, will be No2 to Conor Hourihane at Oakwell for the 2025/26 season. He had been on the coaching staff at Blackpool since last June. His arrival at Barnsley featured in a number of appointments as Hourihane, who took permanent charge in April. The Oakwell boss said of Keogh: "I've known Richard for a number of years, he is a natural leader and his reputation as a coach has grown massively in the past year. "I'm looking forward to working with him again and I know he has the experience, and the skill set required to help me implement my vision for how I want the team to play." Blackpool boss Steve Bruce expressed his regret at Keogh's departure but wished the former Blues defender well. Keogh was a crowd favourite during his time with the Blues (Image: Stuart Walker) "Richard has been a great asset to the staff since I arrived, and I'd like to thank him for all of his hard work," said Bruce. "Naturally, we're disappointed to see him leave, but his new position allows him to be closer to his family and continue to progress in his coaching career. We wish him the very best for the future." Blackpool finished ninth in League One last season with Barnsley 12th. Republic of Ireland international Keogh was a favourite at Brunton Park during a two-year spell from 2008 to 2010. He made 88 appearances and scored six goals for the Cumbrians in that time, and was a popular player for his all-action style. He also had a seven-game spell on loan with the Blues in the 2007/08 season. Keogh's previous clubs include Bristol City, Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, Cheltenham Town, Coventry City, Derby County, MK Dons, Blackpool, Ipswich Town and Forest Green Rovers. * Also in League One, meanwhile, former Carlisle United defender Macaulay Gillesphey helped Charlton Athletic reach the play-off final. He was in the Addicks side that defeated Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 in their second leg to go through by that scoreline on aggregate to face Leyton Orient in the final. Gillesphey's long ball forward led to Matty Godden's goal at The Valley that sent Nathan Jones' Charlton to the final on Sunday, May 25. In League Two, ex-Blues midfielder Brandon Comley featured as Walsall booked their place in the play-off final against AFC Wimbledon. He came off the bench in the Saddlers' 2-1 second-leg win over Chesterfield, sending them through 4-2 on aggregate. AFC Wimbledon defeated Notts County 1-0 to progress 2-0 on aggregate.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update
BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway. All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign. 3 3 3 The upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club's Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans. The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform. The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer. Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months. Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade. New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system - both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades. Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch. He said: 'I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I'm assured has at least another 20 years of life. 'While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren't building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial. Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent 'These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won't have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction. 'The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road. 'As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home. 'When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex. 'This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities. 'With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been. 'For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for future success. 'I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.' Blackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs. They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update
BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway. All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign. 3 Photos released by the club show all of the seats from the East Stand have been removed Credit: 3 There are changes being made to this historic ground Credit: Getty 3 This stadium used to host Premier League games back in the day Credit: STEVE ALLEN The upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club's Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans. The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform. The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer. Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade. New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system - both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades. Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch. He said: 'I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road. Most read in Championship JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I'm assured has at least another 20 years of life. 'While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren't building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial. Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent 'These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won't have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction. 'The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road. 'As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home. 'When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex. 'This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities. 'With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been. 'For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for 'I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.' Blackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs. They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker encourages gay footballers to come out
Match of the Day host says reaction would be positive if Premier League stars opened up about their sexuality Gary Lineker says he hopes a gay male footballer comes out at the top level – and is 'applauded for their bravery'. The former England striker shared his thoughts when asked why he thinks it's hard for players to be open about their sexuality. Gary said of Premier League stars: 'If the first one comes out, a player at the top level, I think others will follow. It's easy for me to say they should do it. It's hard to know how difficult it is. There's probably a bit of fear involved.' England's only openly gay male professional footballer is Blackpool FC striker Jake Daniels. Lineker, 64, added: 'I think if a player came out the reaction would be positive and applaud them for the bravery of doing it.' The outgoing Match of the Day presenter was also asked about whether or not he'd be going to the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal. 'No, I won't be there,' revealed Gary. 'Hopefully by 2034 that has changed, I hope.' His comments came in ITV show The Assembly, in which stars are quizzed by interviewers who are neurodivergent, autistic or learning disabled. Asked how he avoided a booking in his 16-year career for clubs like Leicester City and Spurs, he said: 'I never tackled anyone. It's impossible now to go through a career without being booked. In my day you'd have to have committed grievous bodily harm to be booked.' Asked how he would like to be remembered, Gary mused: 'I don't mind what people think about me. People have opinions about people when they don't have any idea what they're like. People thought I'm a good footballer. I was born to be in the box, I learnt to be on the box and very soon I'll be in a box. It's been fun. 'I've been incredibly lucky. I wonder why I have been so blessed. But I'm thankful.' Earlier in the episode Gary opened up about his BBC suspension. He said: "It was a crazy week. It upset me, having all the press outside my house every minute of the day for five or six days. It got a bit silly." But said support from his colleagues meant a lot to him. "It was actually also lovely, because the backing I got from the people I work with was beautiful," he said. Lineker had posted that language used by Suella Braverman over the stop the boats asylum policy was "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 1930s". But after he was suspended, many of his colleagues in BBC Sport declined to stand in for him, including Alex Scott and Alan Shearer.
