Ben Garrity thrilled to make stunning step-up from Warrington to Blackpool

The goalscoring midfielder arrives on an initial 18-month contract with the option to extend by a further year.

Stepping up four divisions, Garrity becomes the first Warrington player to seal a move to the professional ranks in 20 years.

“I’m made up. I’m just buzzing to get here, start off and get my foot in the door,” Garrity said of the move.

“About a week ago I heard they were watching me and I was told at Warrington that I might be going up to Blackpool to have a look around.

“I went to work on Thursday morning and I was told I was having a medical, so I didn’t know what to do with myself. I rang my boss and went up to Blackpool.

“No-one has ever stood in my way or anything. The Warrington manager, Paul Carden, always told me that if something good came up they would push me for it.

“He did exactly that. He rang me and said, ‘Look, I think this will be a good move for you.’

“He told me he played here when he was younger. He always goes on about it (Carden made his only Blackpool appearance against Preston North End as a 17-year-old in 1996 before moving on to Rochdale).”

Garrity’s goal tally has reached doubles figures for Warrington this term, having previously helped the Yellows to divisional play-off success last season.

He leaves the side in sixth place, 10 points adrift of league leaders South Shields.

Garrity added: “Last season we were very good and were unlucky not to go up.

“I didn’t really score that many until the end of the season. I scored a few in the play-offs.

“This season we haven’t been performing that well, yet we’re still up there and I’ve been scoring most weeks.

“It’s been a bit of a weird season but they should still do well as they’ve got some good lads there. They’re a top team and I hope they go up.”

Garrity scored on his first Blackpool appearance in Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Crewe Alexandra.

Tony Weston also scored for the Seasiders in the 2-2 draw at the League Two club’s training ground. Returning striker Chris Porter netted both for Crewe.

Garrity said: “It’s full-time now and I’m doing it every day, so I can’t see myself going back.

“I’ve just got to keep my head down and crack on getting fitter and stronger.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to improve my game really.”