'Surprised' to 'pleased' - The verdict on Blackpool's main retained list decisions
Blackpool have announced their retained list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Blackpool released their retained list earlier this week - and confirmed six players would leave the club.
Former club captain James Husband was the standout player to depart alongside youngsters Dan Sassi, Terry Bondo, Harvey Bardsley, Derek Oshodi and Harry Williamson.
Meanwhile, options were taken to extend the stays of CJ Hamilton, Olly Casey, Andy Lyons, Albie Morgan, Ryan Finnigan and Kylian Kouassi.
The futures of both Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Ashley Fletcher are yet to be confirmed, with the pair still in contract negotiations over their futures.
Here’s our verdict on some of the decisions made so far:
Olly Casey (Option taken)
It was very much expected that Blackpool would trigger their one-year option to keep Olly Casey at the club.
The defender has impressed over several seasons now, and the key is going to be getting him to sign a new contract to ensure he’s at the club beyond the end of next season.
He’ll certainly have his fair share of suitors, so it’s going to be important to show the 25-year-old that there is something to be achieved at Bloomfield Road.
Ryan Finnigan (Option taken)
The decision on Ryan Finnigan could’ve gone either way, from the outside looking in.
Since his move to the Fylde Coast in January 2024, the midfielder has been unable to establish himself for one reason or another.
There’s clearly a good player in there, but he’s just struggled to truly break into the starting XI - mainly due to injury disrupting him at various points.
His loan spell at Walsall demonstrated what he’s capable of, and he could be someone the Seasiders look to sell or put some faith in this summer.
CJ Hamilton (Option taken)
We pretty much knew CJ Hamilton was going to stay after making a positive impression under Evatt.
While his form can be inconsistent at times, his performances towards the end of the season showcased what he’s capable of.
Should Blackpool be looking for more natural wing-backs this summer if that’s the way they’re going to play? - Yes, but Hamilton is a good option to have in the squad.
Kylian Kouassi (Option taken)
Triggering the one year option on Kylian Kouassi was certainly a surprise, especially when he’s not been around for the last two seasons.
After his initial arrival in 2023, there were signs of what he could do with his power up front, but injury has disrupted him along the way.
His loan spells with Salford City and Cambridge United were both disrupted, so it was a shock to see Blackpool retain.
Hopefully if he can get past his injury record, he can produce the early promise we first saw with him at Bloomfield Road.
Andy Lyons (Option taken)
Andy Lyons falls into the 50/50 camp. The defender’s last few years have been spoiled by spells on the sidelines, including a major ACL injury.
Hopefully the activation of his 12-month option can give the 25-year-old a platform to impress and build on.
Another pre-season will do him a world of good, and the rewards of keeping him could be beneficial. From a human point of view, it’s pleasing to see him stay and you’re rooting for him to succeed.
Albie Morgan (Option taken)
It was another no-brainer to keep Albie Morgan around. The midfielder might’ve had his injury issues, but is pure class when he gets a run of games under his belt.
James Husband (Released)
James Husband had endured a difficult season through suspension and injury, but his performances towards the end of the season showcased he still had something to bring to the table - especially when playing a back three.
It’s a shame to see him go, and with a 12 month option available, it’s surprising that he’s the one being let go by the Seasiders.
Dan Sassi (Released)
Dan Sassi’s time at Blackpool never quite worked out. He was signed from Burnley under Neil Critchley, but had no previous experience of first-team football under his belt.
The defender was limited to just one EFL Trophy game for Blackpool, and his series of loan perhaps didn’t open the door for him to step up more frequently.
Terry Bondo (Released)
Young Terry Bondo gave Blackpool fans something to get excited about during a striker crisis in the early months of Steve Bruce.
The teenager just brought a bit of energy to the table for a period, but his fortunes in the past 12 months perhaps didn’t suggest he’d be staying around.
Even during a period where the Seasiders were short up front again this season, he wasn’t really called upon, and was later sent out on loan.
Harvey Bardsley is another youngster who has departed, and despite being in and around the matchday squads, there wasn’t really a route to a starting spot for him.
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