'You have to admire' - The Portsmouth perspective on Blackpool's newest addition

Jordan Williams could help Blackpool reach another level this season if he’s able to replicate the qualities previously demonstrated at Portsmouth.

The defender has joined the Seasiders on a season-long loan, as he enters the final year of his contract at Fratton Park.

Following Dion Charles, Ilmari Niskanen and Karoy Anderson, he becomes the fourth addition to Ian Evatt’s squad this summer ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign away to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup on August 8.

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, the 26-year-old has been playing in the Championship with Pompey - featuring 53 times in all competitions during his stay on the South Coast.

Portsmouth News reporter Mark McMahon admits Williams is unfortunate to be parting ways with John Mousinho’s side, and has tipped him to be a success in Tangerine.

“Blackpool fans can expect a reliable, steady performer,” he said.

“Jordan Williams is a good player - he’s got bags of experience at League One level and has won promotion with Barnsley at that level.

“The games he’s played for Pompey in the Championship gives you an idea of the calibre of player he is. He did well, so Blackpool can expect a player who will take them to another level. He’s someone that will improve Ian Evatt’s squad.

“There’s a lot about his game you have to admire. He’s very good going forward as well as defensively. Unfortunately, at Pompey there’s other people above him in the pecking order, that’s the only reason they’re letting him go.

“I think he’ll be disappointed to leave, but it’s only because of the circumstances. He had a couple of injuries that impacted his game time, and he paid the price for that because Zak Swanson and Terry Devlin came in and overtook him.

“If he’d stayed, there would’ve been a role for him, but I believe he’s gone to Blackpool because he wants game time this season.”

While Williams has mainly played in a traditional fullback role for Portsmouth, he’s set to be utilised as a wing-back at Bloomfield Road, but could occupy other areas beyond the right side.

“He’s got a lot of energy,” McMahon added.

“That would suit a wing-back position. When he was fit, you could see him going down the wing, overlapping the winger, and being that extra offensive player.

“He can also play centre half. I wouldn’t say put him into a back three, but he’d still do a decent job there. He’s not the tallest, but he’d be reliable.

“Beyond the right wing-back position, last season he was playing on the left for Pompey. He’s very adaptable, he did not look out of place.”