Long-serving defender among six to leave Blackpool as retained list reveals status of ex-Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic figures
Blackpool have announced their retained list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Blackpool have announced the departure of long-serving defender James Husband - while the future of others remain in the balance following the release of the club’s retained list.
The former club captain is among four players to depart Bloomfield Road following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign, with Dan Sassi, Terry Bondo, Harvey Bardsley, Derek Oshodi and Harry Williamson also being released following the end of their contracts.
Husband initially joined the Seasiders on loan from Norwich City in the summer of 2019, before making the move a permanent one six months later.
Across his seven-season stint in Tangerine, the 32-year-old made a total of 238 appearances - scoring five goals and providing 13 assists.
His final year on the Fylde Coast proved to be a frustrating one, with injury wiping out the first half of the campaign, before being hit with two four-match suspensions for sending offs in the opening months of 2026 - which prompted the decision to take the captaincy off him.
Despite that, he was able to enjoy a strong end to the season, and played his part defensively in keeping Blackpool in League One.
Hamilton among players to remain with Blackpool
Another long-serving player who stepped up to pull the Seasiders away from the relegation zone was CJ Hamilton - who took on the armband for the final three games of the season.
Head coach Ian Evatt had already hinted that the wing-back would be remaining, having been at the club since 2020, and an option was available from his previous contract to keep him at Bloomfield Road for a further 12 months.
The same action has also been taken for Olly Casey, Andy Lyons, Albie Morgan, Ryan Finnigan and Kylian Kouassi.
Negotiations ongoing with out of contract Blackpool pair
Meanwhile, no options were available for Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Ashley Fletcher, with negotiations still ongoing with both players.
The latter in particular has enjoyed a successful stint in Tangerine, scoring 32 goals and providing 14 assists in 98 appearances across two seasons on the Fylde Coast, having previously struggled with the likes of Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday.
Meanwhile, extended terms are needed for Peacock-Farrell following the expiration of his short-term deal, after making his loan move from Birmingham City permanent on a free transfer in January.
Full retained list
Remaining under contract: Zac Ashworth, Tom Bloxham, Josh Bowler, Jordan Brown, James Butterworth, Leighton Clarkson, Hayden Coulson, Niall Ennis, George Honeyman, Fraser Horsfall, Michael Ihiekwe, Spencer Knight, Oluchi Nwankwo, Franco Ravizzoli, Jack Richardson, Dale Taylor, Theo Upton, Billy Whaite.
Contract option exercised on: Olly Casey, Ryan Finnigan, CJ Hamilton, Kylian Kouassi, Andy Lyons, Albie Morgan.
In contract discussions with: Ashley Fletcher, Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Offered professional terms: Charlie Brier, Kai Crowe, Kymani Leliandel.
Players leaving the club: Harvey Bardsley, Terry Bondo, James Husband, Derek Oshodi, Dan Sassi, Harry Williamson.
Loan players returning to parent clubs: Karoy Anderson (Charlton Athletic), Joel Randall (Bolton Wanderers), Reuell Walters (Luton Town).
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