Blackpool beat transfer deadline to swoop for former Barnsley promotion winner

The free agent becomes the club’s second signing on deadline day, joining Liverpool loanee Ben Woodburn in making the move to Bloomfield Road.

The 27-year-old, a defensive midfielder, has signed a two-year contract with the Seasiders.

Dougall, who was released by Barnsley at the end of last season, is the 17th new arrival at Blackpool since the end of last season.

“I spoke to the gaffer and his philosophy about the way he wants to play football is really attractive and something I wanted to be a part of,” Dougall said of his move.

“The ambition of the club speaks for itself - they’re bringing in new faces and want to have a go this year. It’s something that attracted me so I’m really happy I’m here now.”

A two-time promotion winner, the Australian joins the Seasiders after spending the last two seasons with Barnsley, where he featured 43 times and helped the Tykes reach the Championship in 2019.

Prior to that, he spent four years in the Netherlands with Telstar and Sparta Rotterdam, making more than 80 appearances for the latter, achieving promotion to the Eredivisie in the process.

Born in Brisbane, Dougall started his career with Brisbane City and has also represented Australia at under-23 level.

“Kenny is a player we have been tracking throughout the summer, who brings a good amount of experience to the squad,” Blackpool boss Neil Critchley said.

“He spent a number of years in the top-flight of Dutch football before moving to Barnsley and helping them gain promotion from League One.

“His positional play and ability to connect the team together from midfield will be valuable assets to the team.

“We worked hard to identify a player of Kenny’s personality and quality and we are delighted he has decided to join us.”