Steve Bruce’s first full campaign as Blackpool boss approaches, and the Seasiders are slowly assembling a squad capable of taking them back to the EFL Championship.
Bruce favoured a 4-4-2 formation last season as the Tangerines finished in a disappointing ninth place in League One and is expected to persevere with it this coming season.
However, with some fresh and exciting incomings expected to fit straight into the team, the Seasiders will hope they can push on this season and secure a play-off position.
If the opening game of the season against Stevenage were today, here is the team we would expect Steve Bruce to put out.
GK – FRANCO RAVIZZOLI
The first name on this team sheet may also be the first on Steve Bruce’s come August 2nd.
The Argentinian shot stopper became the Seasiders’ fifth signing of the summer following his release from fellow EFL League One side Wycombe Wanderers. Ravizzoli made 28 league appearances for the Chairboys last term, including one in the heartbreaking play-off semi-final defeat to Charlton.
Following the return of Everton loanee Harry Tyrer and the release of backup goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell, the 27-year-old finds himself as the club’s only senior goalkeeper, with 19-year-old Harvey Bardsley unlikely to be pushing for the first team spot just yet.
Bruce hasn’t ruled out a return for Tyrer, stating to the Blackpool Gazette that he wants “two goalkeepers who can slog it out”. However, unless the Everton man returns, or another goalkeeper is brought in, Franco Ravizzoli should definitely be in goal against Stevenage.
LB – HAYDEN COULSON
Given the nod by Bruce over club captain James Husband on the final day of the season, looking at the current squad it seems likely that the 27-year-old will be given the chance to make the position his own this season.
The defender returned to Blackpool on a permanent deal last summer to fit into Neil Critchley’s system as a wing back, but following the departure of Steven Gerrard’s former assistant saw his natural position replaced in favour of a back four.
Whether he can keep captain Husband out of the team remains to be seen. Coulson offers more going forward, one of the main reasons Bruce seemed to favour him as an attacking substitute in games last season. If he can combine this ability with some solid defensive performances, he can make the LB position his own this season.
CB – OLIVER CASEY
Players Player of the Season Olly Casey will undoubtedly be one of the first names on Bruce’s team sheet.
Having waited patiently for his chance in Blackpool’s colours, Casey solidified his place in the team last season, forming a great partnership with Ipswich Town loanee Elkan Baggott towards the end of the season. Rock solid at the back, Casey’s consistency has made him one of Bruce’s firm favourites.
Last season’s form means there is Championship interest in the former Leeds man, although recent rumours seem well wide of the mark. The 25-year-old’s contract runs at Bloomfield Road until 2026, with the club holding a 12-month-option, meaning a decent fee would be required to prise the defender away from Bloomfield Road.
CB – FRASER HORSFALL
The second new signing I’m backing to slot straight into the team is former Stockport County man Fraser Horsfall. Blackpool’s first signing of the window has signed a 4-year-deal at Bloomfield Road, with the club beating off EFL League One promotion rivals Huddersfield Town for his signature.
Horsfall featured heavily for the Hatters last season as they just fell short of a successive promotion, even pulling on the captain’s armband for the club’s play-off fixtures against Leyton Orient.
A commanding centre-half, the 28-year-old brings a multitude of qualities to the Seasiders’ squad, including experience and a threat from set-pieces – something which midfield general Lee Evans will be hoping to utilise.
Alongside Casey and Ihiekwe, Horsfall will no doubt benefit under the tutorage of former Manchester United centre-back Steve Bruce.
RB – ANDY LYONS
With the departures of Brighton loanee Odel Offiah and 2020/21 promotion winner Jordan Gabriel, Blackpool are rather light when it comes to right backs. Luckily, Andy Lyons looks ready to make his return to the first team stage following a long-term knee injury that saw him miss all but one game of last season.
The Irish international made an immediate impression following his arrival at Bloomfield Road in 2023, scoring four in 17 EFL Championship games. Game time the following season was limited after the Irishman sustained the season ending ACL injury against Leyton Orient in February.
Lyons will hopefully have the effect of a new signing this year for Blackpool. Following a year out, Bruce may have reservations about throwing the 24-year-old straight into the action, but as the season progresses I expect Lyons to nail down one of the full back positions as his own.
MID – LEE EVANS
Evans joined the club with hopes of a third consecutive EFL League One promotion, having enjoyed successful campaigns with previous clubs Ipswich Town and Portsmouth. Whilst it might not have worked out as planned, Evans cemented his spot in the Blackpool starting eleven, even donning the armband in the absence of James Husband.
Evans’ strong partnership with Albie Morgan resulted in the departure of Oliver Norburn, as the pair proved undroppable in Steve Bruce’s system. Evan’s set-piece taking ability made him a crucial cog in the Seasider’s system, with ten league goal contributions to his name.
With the experience he brings to the team, it’s hard to imagine Evans not appearing in the Seasiders’ squad for the first game of the season, as he begins the hunt for a fifth League One promotion.
MID – ALBIE MORGAN
Second only to Lewis Wing in FOTMOB’s league ratings last season, Albie Morgan seems to be going from strength to strength in a tangerine shirt. Despite missing a large chunk of last season thanks to an unexpected diabetes diagnosis, Morgan returned to action with a series of fine performances and was unlucky to miss out on a place in the EFL Team of the Season.
Morgan formed a fine partnership in midfield alongside Lee Evans, and until some new signings are announced, it seems likely that the partnership will open the season together once again.
The former Charlton man enjoyed his best league season last year, scoring five and assisting seven. Unless something drastic changes, he will be at the heart of the Blackpool midfield once again this season, hoping to better that.
MID – GEORGE HONEYMAN
The former Sunderland captain is set to be tasked with filling the void left by Charlton bound Sonny Carey, who played a key role in the Seasider’s campaign last season. The task is one 30-year-old Honeyman is more than up to, as he looks to be a key man in Bruce’s squad this season.
Honeyman’s last season at this level saw him sweep the board at Hull’s end of season awards, with the midfielder scoring four and assisting seven as the Tigers won the EFL League One title at a canter. Personal recognition also came in the form of places in both the EFL and PFA Team of the Seasons.
With plenty of EFL Championship experience under his belt, Honeyman is one of Blackpool’s most exciting signings this summer. With his leadership, experience and consistency, some may even argue he is an upgrade on Carey, who at times proved inconsistent in a tangerine shirt. As a result, I expect him to play a key part this season.
MID – ROB APTER
Last season saw Liverpool born Apter make his long-anticipated breakthrough into the Seasider’s first team.
Following loan spells in the National League with Scunthorpe and EFL League Two with Tranmere, where he won EFL League Two Young Player of the Season, the Scottish U21’s international returned to high expectations at Bloomfield Road.
Under Bruce the 22-year-old has begun to flourish, scoring eight league goals in the last campaign, including a hattrick against opening day opponents Stevenage. The tricky winger also chipped in with three assists as he appeared in all but one of the Seasiders’ league games.
Seasiders fans will be expecting more from Apter this season as he continues his exciting development. With a full season at League One under his belt, the 2025/26 season could be his opportunity to really shine.
ATT – ASHLEY FLETCHER
From hitting “rock bottom” following an EFL trophy game to winning the Supporters’ Player of the Season award, Ashley Fletcher’s turnaround in a Blackpool shirt has been nothing short of marvellous.
With 11 goals the Manchester United academy product finished last season as the club’s top scorer, and will be hoping for a similar, if not better, return this time around. With his partnership with Niall Ennis set to be resumed, the Seasiders’ number 11 will be hoping to finish the season in the same vein of form that ended the last.
The 29-year-old scored the club’s first goal of the season last year as the Tangerines lost 2-1 away at Crawley. Although Fletcher came off the bench in that game, chances are he will be in from the off against Stevenage. Although Bruce still wants to bring in another striker, Fletcher’s more than earned the right to keep on showing why the former Newcastle boss kept faith in him.
ATT – NIALL ENNIS
Back on the Fylde Coast on a permanent transfer after his successful loan spell in the latter half of last season, Niall Ennis will be hoping to continue where he left off.
The former Plymouth man netted seven times in a Blackpool shirt last season, creating his own chances and linking up well with strike partner Ashley Fletcher. His form saw him win the EFL League One Player of the Month award for February, as well as the clubs Goal of the Month award for March.
Following false starts in the EFL Championship with previous clubs Blackburn and Stoke, Ennis will be aiming to recapture the form that saw him lift the League One title previously with Plymouth Argyle and have potentially one more crack at the second tier with the Seasiders.
