'Something really special' - Ex-Exeter City man shares why Blackpool FC's interest stood out above others

Blackpool new boy Ilmari Niskanen admits there was something special about Bloomfield Road that convinced him to put pen to paper.

The Finland international became the Seasiders second signing of the summer at the end of last month, following Huddersfield Town loanee Dion Charles to the Fylde Coast.

While other options were on the table for the left-wing back, Ian Evatt’s side proved to be the most attractive option.

A two-year deal, with a 12-month option, was agreed between the two parties, as he made the move as a free agent following the conclusion of his contract with Exeter City - where he had spent the last three seasons on the back of a two-year stay with Dundee United.

Despite the Grecians’ eventual relegation from the third tier last term, the wide player was still able to shine individually, contributing 12 assists in 46 outings.

Niskanen was pleased to agree terms with Blackpool ahead of their recent trip to Girona, and states what the club had to offer ticked multiple boxes.

“I was keen to get the deal done as soon as possible before the pre-season started,” he said at the camp in Spain.

“Before coming here, I was speaking to a lot of people I know about Blackpool, the group, and the coaching staff - all I heard was positive things, so it made my decision really here to come here.

“The interest was there for a while. The first time I heard about it was pretty much straight after the season finished. I was in a quite fortunate position because I had a good year personally and had a few teams interested in me.

“Even though I felt really good about Blackpool from the start, I still wanted to do my research to find the best fit for me. After that, it was an easy decision to come here in every way.

“It’s a big traditional club with an enthusiastic fanbase and a lot of great history. I think the club is on the way up, and we have a really good chance to achieve something really special. My aim is to win games and achieve great things during my career.

“The playing style suits my strengths really well. I can run as much as needed, I work extremely hard on and off the pitch, and that’s something the gaffer was really keen on. In every way it was an easy decision.”

Niskanen admits picking his new club was a call he had to get right due to the personal sacrifice of continuing to live away from home.

“It definitely was a really big decision,” he added.

“I’m at a stage of my career where I don’t have too many moves left, and I want to stay here as long as possible.

“I had a brilliant summer in Finland spending time with family and friends - which is rare during the season because of distance and all of the games we have.

“It’s the sort of sacrifice you have to make being a professional footballer. I love being in the UK - I had two really enjoyable years with Dundee United, three fantastic years with Exeter, and now many good years with Blackpool now.”