Pool new boy Nottingham confident of making step up

The 29-year-old former Salford City defender put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Seasiders yesterday with the option of a further 12 months.

The Birmingham-born man, who is capable of playing at both right back and centre back, was recently named in the National League North team of the season after helping Salford seal the league title.

When asked if he’s ready to make the step up to league football, Nottingham replied: “I hope so, I’m ready to give everything I’ve got.

“The club has taken a chance on me and it’s now up to me to try and give back with my performances and effort.

“So I believe in my own ability so I feel like I am ready.”

The goalscoring defender, who predominantly played at right back this season, notched 11 times in his first year with Salford after arriving from Solihull Moors.

This season he popped up with a further four goals.

“I’m over the moon and I can’t wait to get going," Nottingham added.

"I’m really thankful for the opportunity – it’s something I’ve always wanted, to play league football – and to be at Blackpool, a club with such history, is an amazing feeling.”

Nottingham, who has been capped twice by St Kitts & Nevis, started out with Romulus and Redditch United before moving to Gresley.

That fine form earned a move to Solihull Moors in 2013. There he made 39 appearances and scored six goals, playing a key role in the Solihull side that finished as champions in 2015/16.

He swept up a number of awards at the end of the campaign, before moving on to Salford as he wanted to live further north to be with his partner.

Blackpool’s capture received the seal of approval from Salford’s co-owner Gary Neville, who tweeted to say it was an “excellent signing”.

Nottingham will officially become a Blackpool player on July 1 having made a total of 93 appearances for Salford, scoring 15 goals in the process.

Manager Gary Bowyer added: “I’m really pleased to bring Michael to the club.

"He’s a strong and versatile defender who is hungry and determined to take his opportunity and succeed in league football.

"He arrives here with a winning mentality having achieved promotions with Solihull Moors and Salford City, and he’s also capable of chipping in with goals at the other end of the pitch.

"We’re looking forward to working with him.”

Fans have speculated this could mean the end of Kelvin Mellor’s time at Blackpool.

The 27-year-old, who also players at right back and is out of contract this summer, has been linked with newly promoted Championship sides Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.

The Seasiders now have 14 players contracted for next season.