Following the Seasiders’ relegation from the Championship, there were numerous incomings and outgoings at Bloomfield Road.
Some of the newcomers have hit the ground running, while others still have work to do.
How have the new signings performed?
We’ve graded the performances of the Seasiders’ summer signings.
Matthew Pennington- B
Matthew Pennington has earned his place in Blackpool’s defensive three. After picking up a minor injury on his full Seasiders debut, the centre back quickly got him back to full fitness and produced some impressive displays. There’s still areas to improve, but it’s so far so good from the former Everton man.
Tashan Oakley-Boothe- D
Tashan Oakley-Boothe is still finding his feet at Bloomfield Road. After initially featuring in just cup games, the midfielder has been handed a run in the league. He hasn’t really been able to make his mark yet, but that doesn’t mean he can’t turn things around as it’s still pretty early days for the former Stoke midfielder.
Albie Morgan- C
Albie Morgan was a regular starter for the Seasiders in the first few weeks of the season, but has lost his place more recently. There has been some positive signs from the summer arrival so far, and there’s plenty of signs that he can deliver a lot more. His standout moment is probably his free kick in the EFL Trophy win against Liverpool U21s.
Kylian Kouassi- A
Kylian Kouassi has probably had a bigger impact than a lot of people would’ve expected following his summer move. The striker has claimed five goals in all competitions so far this season, including a hat-trick against Liverpool U21s. His hold up play has also been really impressive.
Mackenzie Chapman- Absent
Mackenzie Chapman hasn’t been handed an opportunity in the first team since his summer arrival, but has been present for the development squad.
Kyle Joseph- Absent
Injury has restricted Kyle Joseph to just a cameo in the EFL Cup game against Derby County back in August. He has recently resumed full team training, and could be back at some point in the next month.
Ollie Norburn- A
Ollie Norburn has proven to be a solid signing for the Seasiders. He has missed the last few weeks due to a neck problem, with his absence certainly noticeable
Richard O’Donnell- B
Richard O’Donnell has been Blackpool’s cup keeper since coming into the club. He’s proven to be a solid back-up to Dan Grimshaw and has plenty to offer between the sticks.
Karamoko Dembele- B
Karamoko Dembele has demonstrated exactly what he’s about since making the move on loan to Bloomfield Road. In the last few weeks his performances have taken another step up, and was very close to receiving an A. He’s still building his fitness, but every time he played he has been able to make a difference.
Jensen Weir- C
Jensen Weir hasn’t featured too regularly in the last couple of months, with the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee having his minutes limited. In his early day he did show some positive signs, and hopefully he will get another chance to step up to the Seasiders starting
Jordan Rhodes- A*
Jordan Rhodes has been superb since making the move to Bloomfield Road from Huddersfield Town on loan. The striker has truly rediscovered his best form, and has bagged nine goals so far this season. His importance to Blackpool really can’t be measured at the moment.
