Steve Bruce issues ultimatum to Blackpool trialist amid past links at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday
Former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Josh Onomah has the next three weeks to prove himself to Blackpool boss Steve Bruce.
The midfielder has been on trial with the Seasiders since the end of July, with the aim of rebuilding his fitness following a year out of football.
Onomah’s last permanent club was Preston North End, whom he left last summer after being unable to agree new terms at the conclusion of his short-term deal at Deepdale.
The 27-year-old knows new Seasiders head coach Bruce well, with the pair having previously worked together at both Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.
“I’ve signed him before, so I know all about him,” said the Blackpool boss.
“He hasn’t played for a while, so I’ve simply just said to him ‘Look Josh, get yourself in some physical shape.’
“If he does, then we have a player on our hands, because the kid can play. I’ve given him that opportunity, so we’ll assess him to see where he is. We’re confident he’ll get there.
“He’s missed the best part of 12 months, it’s like someone having a serious injury. The fitness levels can go so quickly; it doesn’t matter what you do in the gym. To be fair to Josh he’s tried his best, he’s doing everything he can.
“I had the conversation about him this week. If he can get himself right physically then we’ve got someone who’s played at the top level.
“I’m really surprised he’s been without a club for so long. He played for me and did well, so much so I nearly took him on Deadline Day when I was at West Brom.
“We’ll give him every opportunity in the next two to three weeks, but then we’ll have to be as honest as we can. If he can get up to speed then we’ll be looking to sign him - let’s hope he can get there.
“The decision has got to be on what he produces now. In football, 18 months is a long time, but I know what he’s capable of if he’s right.”