Blackpool make call on ex-Southampton man following impressive form
Blackpool have recalled Ryan Finnigan from his loan spell with Walsall.
Ryan Finnigan has returned to Blackpool following a successful loan spell in League Two.
The 22-year-old made the temporary move to Walsall back in August, and has featured 26 times in all competitions for the club - scoring four goals and providing three assists.
Following some impressive displays at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, the midfielder picked up the award for the fourth tier’s player of the month for November.
The spell with Walsall has provided the ex-Southampton man with his first taste of frequent action in over two years, with his game time with the Seasiders being limited on the whole since his Bloomfield Road arrival in January 2024.
Finnigan is a product of the Saints academy, and featured once for the Hampshire side’s first-team.
His first real chance in senior football was during a loan spell with Crewe in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign - with 16 appearances coming his way for The Railwaymen.
Unfortunately he was unable to build on this during a stint with Shrewsbury Town the following season, after picking up an ankle injury just three games into his time at the Croud Meadow.
Blackpool signed Finnigan permanently while he was still recovering from this problem, which meant he had to be patient for his debut on the Fylde Coast.
Reason behind the recall
Seasiders head coach Ian Evatt admits he was keen to recall Finnigan in order to boost his options in the centre of the park.
“I’ve seen a lot of him,” he said.
“He’s a player I will like - he’s a technical player but he’s got physicality. He can run, he can move, he’s a good size and a good receiver so I’m looking forward to seeing what he adds to us.”
Walsall boss’ past words on Blackpool man
Back in October, Saddlers head coach Mat Sadler shared a positive update on how Finnigan was progressing during his time with the Midlands outfit.
“He’s settled in really well, he’s a wonderful boy - a wonderful lad,” he told the Gazette.
“Ryan just wants to do the best for him and his family, and he’s a really lovely kid. He’s done really well.
“For us, he’s been a starter for the last, I’m not sure how many weeks. He’s been part of a strong team performance in the last month or so. I’m sure he’ll keep going from strength to strength.
“He’s got everything you need. He’s strong, quick and can move. He just needs more minutes, more time on the grass, and to really believe in himself - because sometimes when you’ve had these hard injuries or not played as much football as you would’ve liked, then there’s that element of belief that maybe goes, so we’ll keep throwing that into him.”
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