Josh Onomah, a midfielder, has joined Blackpool on a free transfer. This marks Steve Bruce’s reunion with Onomah, who he previously worked with twice, including at Aston Villa.
Onomah, 27, spent some time at Bloomfield Road in recent weeks for a trial before signing a short-term contract with the Seasiders that will expire in January. After playing together for two seasons at Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, Bruce has determined that Onomah has earned a contract.
During his time as a trainee at Tottenham Hotspur, Onomah joined to Villa on loan to work under Bruce during the 2017–18 campaign. Onomah scored four goals in 37 games for Villa, including the game-winning goal at Villa Park against Sunderland. The following season, Onomah and Bruce ran into each other at Sheffield Wednesday.
“It’s been a long travel after working with the lads over recent weeks, but it’s been amazing to be in and around football again,” Onomah said. “These guys are fantastic, and I hope to contribute my prior experience from playing for teams that have won promotions.” I’m glad to be here and get started playing since I’ve worked with the gaffer before and we get along well.
When the manager was in charge of West Brom in the summer of 2022, Onomah very almost signed for Bruce a third time. The move never happened even though he showed up at the training facility and had a physical before the deadline for transfers. There were problems with submitting the necessary paperwork to the EFL.
“I’m really surprised he’s been without a club for so long,” Bruce stated. “He did so well when he played for me that I almost took him on Deadline Day when I was at West Brom.” It’s as if he had sustained a terrible injury because he has missed the most of a year. We have a player with elite experience if he can correct his physical issues.”
