'Something I pushed for' - Ex-Barnsley defender explains move to Blackpool
Josh Earl has discussed his recent move to Blackpool from Barnsley.
Blackpool defender Josh Earl admits he pushed for a move to Bloomfield Road due to the pulling factors both on and off the pitch.
The 27-year-old arrived on the Fylde Coast for an undisclosed fee from Barnsley prior to the end of the summer transfer window - penning a three-year deal, including a 12-month option, with the Seasiders.
Earl is no stranger to life in Lancashire, with the Southport-born centre back starting his career with Preston North End, before also playing for Fleetwood Town.
After two years in South Yorkshire, the ex-Tykes man is pleased to be back closer to home and was determined to get the move to Blackpool over the line.
“It took a while to get the actual deal done in the end, but it was very exciting at the time, and something I really pushed for,” he said last week.
“It’s close to home for me, so it’s brilliant from an outside of football aspect for my family. It’s nice to be here with these fans and it’s good to be back on the coast.
“Blackpool is a massive club, and you can tell that from playing in the stadium. It’s absolutely brilliant.
“All of the lads have been brilliant since I’ve come in. It’ll take a couple of weeks to settle in and let my character come out a little bit more, but it’s been a great start and the relationships are going well. There’s a few big characters already here, but I’ll try to squeeze in somewhere.
“I’ve worked with Crains (Stephen Crainey) and Thommo (Steve Thompson) previously at other clubs, and that was a big factor in coming here - knowing a lot of the staff. It’ll be fantastic working under the gaffer (Ian Evatt), and I’ll learn a lot from him.”