Ex-Birmingham City and Leeds United goalkeeper makes clear contract intention after Blackpool decision

Bailey Peacock-Farrell admits the decision to extend his stay with Blackpool was a ‘straightforward’ one.

The Northern Ireland international initially made the move to Bloomfield Road on loan from Birmingham City last summer, before signing a permanent short-term deal back in January following the mutual termination of his contract at St Andrew’s.

After growing in confidence throughout his time on the Fylde Coast, the 29-year-old penned a one-year extension last month, and will be looking to build on his 11 clean sheets in 42 League One outings next time around.

Explaining the reasons behind his eagerness to remain with Blackpool, the ex-Leeds United goalkeeper said: “It was a conversation that happened at the back end of the season, and it was a pretty straightforward one. It ramped up, so I pretty much knew by the last game where I was going to be playing my football.”

“The gaffer (Ian Evatt) said his part and the club were very keen to do it, so it was pretty much a no-brainer for me. I really enjoyed it last year, and wanted a bit of continuity. Being settled in a team is perfect to go and build on last year.

“In January, it was more of a speed thing to get it done in the way we did just because it opened up a loan slot for us.

“The gaffer was pushing it from an early time, and wanted it done. That confidence and belief from a manager is nice for any player to have. I love playing for him and the system works well for me, so it was really simple.

“I texted him ‘where do I need to live,’ and he told me, which was when the contract was pretty much good to go. It all went according to plan.

“Sometimes on loan, you get to grips with the club and the fans, and you know what they want. I understand clearly what they want to see, so to have that connection is great - it helps you as a player.”

After fighting relegation for the majority of last season, before an eventual 13th place finish, Peacock-Farrell insists the Seasiders firmly have their sights set competing at the top end of the third tier heading into the 2026/27 campaign.

“It was our plan for last season, but it was a bizarre year with everything that happened to us as a squad in terms of the injuries we sustained,” he added.

“We were unable to get any rhythm as a starting XI. We were chopping and changing every game pretty much for 60-70 percent of the season. To perform in the way we did, shows the character, and the level of the lads.

“We had that ambition, but fell short. The first 10 games under the gaffer and the last 10 games showed what level the squad is at; the aim now is to do it consistently.

“The lads here now are more than capable of doing it, and the gaffer will want to add more as well. We’re going to be in a good position, and he’s already touched on being more explosive, dynamic and faster. All of those aspects will lead to more exciting football.”

Meanwhile, on an individual basis, Peacock-Farrell is hoping to improve further.

Following a shaky start to his time at Bloomfield Road, the experienced goalkeeper was able to produce a number of vital displays between the sticks, and proved some of his doubters wrong.

“After the first five or 10 games, I think I started to build up nicely,” he stated.

“You do your pre-season, but it still takes a few league games to get you going, and I came off the back of no pre-season.

“It was a case of getting going and getting back up to speed. Throughout the year I got better and better, and built on each performance. That’s now the baseline and the aim is to build on that even more this year.

“I know my team now, and I’m not coming into a new team and having to learn how people play. I’m firmly settled and know this team like the back of my hand.”