How Blackpool are currently equipped in each area - and where they are crying out for recruitment most

Blackpool have a number of areas to address this summer ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite heading into last season with the ambition of battling for promotion, the Seasiders ultimately found themselves fighting relegation.

By mid-March things were looking pretty bleak, before an impressive run of 22 points from their final nine games secured a comfortable 13th place finish for the Fylde Coast outfit - 11 points clear of the bottom four.

Ian Evatt’s side will be looking to build on their strong finish, and use it to propel themselves further up the table.

The transfer window opened earlier this week, and there's a number of positions the Blackpool boss will need reinforcements.

Here’s how the squad is currently shaping up:

Goalkeepers (Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Franco Ravizzoli)

Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s contract renewal means the Seasiders goalkeeper situation has been dealt with nice and early this summer; compared to the last couple of years.

The Northern Ireland international will no doubt remain first-choice, with Franco Ravizzoli still at the club as a back-up, meaning no work is currently needed in this area.

Central defenders (Olly Caser, Fraser Horsfall, Michael Ihiekwe)

Olly Casey is certainly Mr Reliable when it comes to options for a back three - if Evatt goes that way next season.

The defender featured 44 times last term, and it’s crucial Blackpool tie him down to a new deal.

Fraser Horsfall did show his quality in the second half of the 2025/26 campaign in particular, but did struggle with a couple of injuries, while Michael Ihiekwe’s entire season was hindered by a toe problem.

With those absences in mind, it’s clear the Seasiders need at least two more additions for the centre of defence.

While both Andy Lyons and Zac Ashworth can fill in, getting true naturals for every role is important.

Wing-backs (Andy Lyons, Hayden Coulson, CJ Hamilton, Zac Ashworth)

The wing-back area needs players specialised for the role more than any other area.

CJ Hamilton can fill in on either side, and can have a positive impact, but isn’t a natural for the role.

Probably more will be needed from Lyons and Ashworth on their respective sides as well, but are good for depth.

Hayden Coulson is a natural on the left, and its the position that suits him the most; he just needs a clear injury-free run next season.

Getting someone of Danny Imray quality would be a big ask, but someone as close to that on each side should be on the agenda.

Midfielders (Jordan Brown, Leighton Clarkson, Albie Morgan, George Honeyman, Josh Bowler, Ryan Finnigan)

The midfield on paper is pretty well stacked. If Jordan Brown, Albie Morgan and George Honeyman were the starting three, with Leighton Clarkson available off the bench, most sides would struggle against them.

Injuries must once again be taken into account, and more depth will be required.

A good place to start would be getting Karoy Anderson back on a permanent deal after his impressive loan spell from Charlton Athletic.

Cover is needed for the more-defensive Brown, and another Morgan-type figure is needed to account for any more injuries for the 26-year-old.

Ryan Finnigan could develop into a real good option, but it’s not quite worked out for him yet at Bloomfield Road, while consideration will need to be taken over Josh Bowler’s best position.

The fans favourite plays his best football on the wing, and if Evatt reverts to that set-up, it’s a great start, but the jury is out on whether he can make the centre of the pitch his natural home.

Strikers (Niall Ennis, Tom Bloxham, Dale Taylor, Kylian Kouassi)

On paper, a front two of Niall Ennis and Dale Taylor is pretty exciting. Both players have delivered in League One in the past, but suffered with fitness and injury throughout last season.

There’s potential there for the Seasiders to have a deadly duo, especially with Tom Bloxham also battling for a spot.

It does feel as if Kylian Kouassi’s chances of making it in Tangerine has been and gone due to a couple of injury-hit loan spells, but his physical capabilities may be something of interest to Evatt.

Losing top scorer Ashley Fletcher is a blow, and Blackpool need someone to replace some of his goals - whether that’s someone with experience of the division or a youngster ready to step up.