Crystal Palace have recalled young full-back Danny Imray from his loan spell at Blackpool FC, ending the 22-year-old’s stint at Bloomfield Road with immediate effect. Blackpool Short On The Right Flank? The Seasiders, who had been relying on Imray for energy and attacking impetus down the right flank, now face the challenge of reshaping their […]
Crystal Palace have recalled young full-back Danny Imray from his loan spell at Blackpool FC, ending the 22-year-old’s stint at Bloomfield Road with immediate effect.
The Seasiders, who had been relying on Imray for energy and attacking impetus down the right flank, now face the challenge of reshaping their defensive options midway through the League One season.
Imray joined Blackpool in the summer of 2025, arriving from Palace with the aim of gaining first-team experience in one of the most physically demanding leagues in English football.
He quickly became a familiar figure in the starting XI, offering pace and drive down the right-hand side and contributing both defensively and in attack.
His willingness to push forward made him a valuable outlet, particularly against sides that defended deep and invited Blackpool to break.
Across his loan spell, Imray made 16 appearances in all competitions, registering two goals and two assists a notable return for a young full-back adjusting to the rigors of League One football.
Fans quickly took to his energetic style, and his runs into the final third often provided Blackpool with an extra dimension going forward.
His performances highlighted why the Seasiders had moved quickly to secure him over other interested EFL clubs in the summer transfer window.
Despite a promising start, Imray’s campaign was interrupted by a meniscus injury in early October.
He missed several matches as he underwent rehabilitation, but managed to return to the squad and make further appearances before Crystal Palace decided to recall him in January 2026.
His departure leaves a gap in Blackpool’s squad at a time when fixture congestion and the demands of the EFL schedule make rotation and depth essential.
Imray’s loan had also provided him with valuable exposure to the physicality and tactical demands of EFL football—a step up from his previous successful spell at Bromley in League Two, where he had been named Young Player of the Season.
At Blackpool, he adapted to a higher tempo and more robust style of play, learning to balance defensive duties with the attacking responsibilities expected from a modern full-back.
For Blackpool, losing Imray mid-season will require adjustments.
Manager Ian Evatt may need to rely on other squad members or look to the January transfer window for reinforcements to maintain the team’s balance.
His absence underscores one of the challenges faced by League One clubs that depend on Premier League loanees: the constant risk of recalls, injuries, or sudden changes that can disrupt squad plans.
While his time at Blackpool was not without its setbacks, Imray leaves Bloomfield Road having gained invaluable experience and shown flashes of quality that could serve him well in the future.
For the Seasiders, the focus now shifts to plugging the gap and maintaining their competitiveness in a fiercely contested League One campaign.
