On Tuesday night Blackpool announced the signing of attacking midfielder George Honeyman.
The former Sunderland skipper became the Tangerine’s third signing of the summer window, following central defenders Fraser Horsfall and Michael Ihiekwe through the door at Bloomfield Road.
The 30-year-old joins the club on a free transfer from Millwall, with the Seasiders reportedly beating off competition from a number of clubs for his signature.
Honeyman made 40 EFL Championship appearances at the Den last season, scoring twice as the Lions narrowly missed out on the play-offs by just two points. Here are three things that the Prudhoe born midfielder will bring to the table at Bloomfield Road.
LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE
It’s no secret that Blackpool’s recruitment strategy is entering a new era. Gone are the days of Neil Critchley and the aim of signing young players to make profit.
Whilst the strategy worked well during Critchley’s first spell, the lack of experience in the squad during his second tenure was arguably one of the main reasons the Seasiders have failed to make the play-offs for two seasons running.
Under Steve Bruce, however, the model has seemingly changed. Experience is the motto of the window, and the first few signings through the door reflect that. Honeyman, 30, joins Fraser Horsfall, 28, and Michael Ihiekwe, 32, as the Seasiders look to add some key figures into their dressing room.
Of the Seasiders squad that started the final game of last season at home to Bristol Rovers, only Lee Evans (122) comes close to Honeyman’s 228 EFL Championship appearances. Like Horsfall, Honeyman is no stranger to the captain’s armband, having become Sunderland’s first academy graduate to lead the club since 2000, aged just 23.
Having also worn the armband a few times at Hull, Honeyman will undoubtedly be an important asset to the Seasider’s leadership team, as well as young prospects like Rob Apter and Tom Bloxham.
WORK ETHIC AND VERSATILITY
At just 23, Honeyman was praised by then Sunderland manager Jack Ross for his “grit and determination every time he crosses the white lines”, with Ross also complimenting his “fantastic attitude” in training.
The 30-year-old’s mentality is something that has been praised continuously at subsequent clubs and there is no reason to think Blackpool will be any different.
At Bloomfield Road he links up once again with Steve Bruce, who managed gave Honeyman his first experience of training with the first team at Sunderland – a clear indicator of the high regard Honeyman’s work ethic is held in by the 64-year-old Geordie.
The midfielder’s versatility could also prove him to be a smart pick up for the Tangerines – suited to high energy, high pressing football, Honeyman can also be deployed further forward in an attacking role, potentially helping to fill the void left by Sonny Carey, who left Bloomfield Road earlier in the window for Charlton.
This ability to suit various roles will help him compliment the already established midfield partnership of Albie Morgan and Lee Evans, whilst potentially filling their roles when necessary.
PROVEN LEAGUE ONE TRACK RECORD
Honeyman’s previous experience in EFL League One speaks for itself. Despite the one season he spent in the division with boyhood club Sunderland ending in heartbreak, his standout season with Hull City in 2020/21 helped banish any demons.
Honeyman was a key figure in the heart of the Tiger’s midfield as Hull lifted the EFL League One title at a canter. Four goals and seven assists in 43 league appearances only scratch the surface of the then 25-year-old’s importance to the team.
This was shown at the club’s end of season awards as Honeyman swept the lot, claiming all three player of the year awards. Both the PFA and EFL team of the seasons would go onto feature Honeyman in their midfield as he narrowly missed out on player of the season to Jonson Clarke-Harris.
Praised by Hull fans for his tireless work ethic and creative threat, Honeyman now elevates a midfield that already contains another serial EFL League One expert in Lee Evans.
Can He Be Successful For Blackpool?
George Honeyman brings a large amount of qualities to Steve Bruce’s side. But, can he be successful? Tell us in the comments below.
