Ex-teammate of key Sunderland man shares honest assessment of Blackpool FC experience

A number of former Blackpool loanees have gone on bright things following a spell on the Fylde Coast.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who suffered relegation with the Seasiders back in 2023, is probably the current standout name, with the 23-year-old preparing to represent England at this summer’s World Cup.

A number of others are also currently impressing at their respective clubs, including Dan Ballard - who has recently been a part of Sunderland’s first year back in the Premier League.

The defender featured 29 times for the Black Cats in the top flight last term, as Régis Le Bris’ players clinched a place in next season’s Europa League.

Since making the move to the Stadium of Light in 2022, Ballard has made 120 appearances and played a big part in their Championship play-off success.

Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Wembley was the second time the Northern Ireland international had tasted promotion at the home of England.

Back in 2021, the 26-year-old was in Blackpool’s starting line-up as they beat Lincoln City 2-1 in the League One play-off final - courtesy of a Kenny Dougall brace.

Ballard had spent the majority of that campaign on loan with the Seasiders from Arsenal, featuring 30 times in total.

Ekpiteta issues verdict on former Blackpool teammate

During that time, the centre back competed with Marvin Ekpiteta for a place in Neil Critchley’s starting XI.

The MK Dons defender had his fair share of teammates at Bloomfield Road across a four-year spell, with many now impressing elsewhere.

When asked if he foresaw the path Ballard would take, the 30-year-old said: “Not initially. I don’t think anyone would’ve seen it initially, but as he got more confident and started playing more games, he got better and better.

“You could start to see there was something in him. One thing I liked about Dan, he was always willing to learn and improve.

“When he came to us, he hadn’t really played much first-team football, and he’d had a big injury that had hindered him.

“It took him a bit of time to get going, but once he played a few games, he smashed it and hasn’t looked back since. I’m really happy for him. He just takes any challenge in his stride and excels.

“As defenders, dropping down does help with a side of your games that you need. Dan is a really aggressive defender - he’s not old school, but he’s big and strong, so playing in the lower leagues has helped to use that side in the Prem.

“That journey is perfect for any young defender watching. He learnt the game from a physical stance and has kicked on now.”