League One round-up: Blackpool’s North West rivals add ex-AFC Fylde figure while former Ian Evatt defender makes Luton Town move
The start of the transfer window is approaching - with some clubs already making some early moves.
Some of Blackpool’s League One rivals have already started making moves on the transfer front.
The window officially opens on Monday (June 15), and will mark the start of an important few months for the Seasiders.
For now, one of the main focusses could still involve a player already at Bloomfield Road, with Ashley Fletcher’s contract expiring at the end of this month.
With offers on the table from elsewhere, negotiations remain ongoing between Blackpool and the 30-year-old - who bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season.
On the coaching front, there’s also a decision to be made on Steve Thompson’s future.
The 61-year-old’s current short-term deal with Ian Evatt’s backroom staff comes to a close at the back end of June, with a decision only expected closer to that time.
Across League One, other clubs are also putting things in place to give themselves the best possible chance of success in the 2026/27 campaign.
Ex-Fylde figure makes Wigan move
Wigan Athletic have already added two new players to their ranks, with Max Power’s return to the Brick Community Stadium being followed by the signing of wing-back Connor Barrett.
The 24-year-old makes the move to Greater Manchester for an undisclosed fee from Walsall, having spent two years at the Bescot Stadium.
Prior to that, he had a two-season spell just down the road from Bloomfield Road at AFC Fylde.
During his time with the Coasters, the ex-Leicester City and Burnley academy player scored seven goals and provided 16 assists in total for the National League outfit.
Ex-Evatt player joins Luton
Elsewhere this week, Luton Town have also boosted their defensive options with the signing of former Evatt player George Johnston.
The 27-year-old was signed by the now-Blackpool boss for Bolton Wanderers back in 2021, and went on to make 191 appearances during his time at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
On the back of captaining the Trotters to their League One play-off final victory over Stockport County, Johnston departed the club as a free agent at the end of his contract, and will now link up with Jack Wilshere's side.