Blackpool FC boss issues verdict on Portsmouth addition as he offers transfer update
Jordan Williams became Blackpool’s fourth signing of the summer last week.
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt is looking forward to working with Jordan Williams this season following his first outing in Tangerine.
The defender joined the Seasiders on a season-long loan from Portsmouth last week, and picked up minutes in last Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Port Vale - which ended in a 1-0 defeat.
In that game, the 26-year-old featured on the right side of a back three, with Olly Casey and Zac Ashworth to the left of him.
Williams has experience of enjoying success in League One, having been promoted with Barnsley back in 2019, and will be looking to replicate that on the Fylde Coast.
For the last two years, he has been playing in the Championship with Pompey - featuring 53 times in all competitions during his stay on the South Coast.
Discussing the addition of Williams, Evatt said: “I think he’s a really good signing - everyone’s going to go on to see that. He’s experienced, he knows the level, and is a leader.
“The technique he provides in that position is really important for the role in the team - he’s almost a hybrid type that can defend centrally but is also comfortable in wide areas. So far, I’m so impressed with him.”
Despite the move only just being completed, Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has already spoken about the prospect of recalling Williams down the line.
“He has been a big part of what we’ve done over the past couple of seasons,” he told The News.
“I’m sure he will kick on and have a very, very good loan. We are always keeping an eye on that, it’s something we are looking at, as we have a recall in January to see if we need it as well.”
Responding to this, Evatt said: “I’m not even thinking about that, it’s another fire you’ve probably started for me. As far as I know, Jordan is here for the season, and hopefully longer-term. If he does his bit this season and everyone’s happy, he’s out of contract next summer, so that gives us an opportunity.
“For now, I’m loving working with him, and from what I’ve seen so far, I’m very impressed.”
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The addition of Williams came after the previous signings of Dion Charles, Ilmari Niskanen and Karoy Anderson, with more still required from the Seasiders ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1.
“We know where we’re short,” Evatt admitted.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand where this squad is short, and as always, we’re working very hard to make the best decisions for this football club. We’re trying to do what’s right.”