Transfer gossip - Former Blackpool and Wigan Athletic man set for League Two move

Former Blackpool midfielder Ollie Norburn is close to agreeing a deal with League Two side Notts County.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Bloomfield Road will officially come to an end at the end of this month, but his fate has been known for some time.

After joining the Seasiders in the summer of 2023, the midfielder was instantly handed the captain’s armband, and held the role until last July.

Throughout the first half of last season, Norburn found his game time limited on the Fylde Coast, which prompted a loan move to Wigan Athletic back in January.

During his stay at the Brick Community Stadium, he made 14 appearances in total, before having his campaign cut short by injury.

With both Norburn and Blackpool boss Steve Bruce already admitting the ex-Peterborough United man wouldn’t play in Tangerine again following his initial exit, Latics head coach Ryan Lowe had offered the four-time Grenada international the opportunity to continue his rehab with Wigan throughout the summer.

It seems as if that invitation won’t be required, with Football League World reporting that Norburn is close to agreeing a move to Notts County.

Farewell message to Blackpool

Following the official confirmation that he would become a free agent this summer, the midfielder took to social media to bid farewell to the Seasiders.

Thank you for the last few years,” he wrote.

“An honour to captain your club. Wish everybody the best of luck going forward and I’m sure under the current manager success will soon come.”

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old also shared a message to Wigan following the end of his stint there.

“Thank you for the last few months,” he stated.

“I really enjoyed my short time at the club — a great group of lads, staff, and fans who made me feel welcome from day one. Wishing you all the very best going forward.”

Norburn’s past words on Blackpool

Shortly after completing his loan move to the Brick Community Stadium back in January, Norburn told the Gazette leaving Blackpool was something he needed to do.

“In all honesty, it was quite an easy decision because I wasn’t getting the game time that I wanted, and sometimes in football you need to do what’s best for you,” he said.

“I’ve left Blackpool on good terms, I have the utmost for the players and the manager there, but sometimes you’ve got to do what’s right for you, and what feels right.

“I spoke to the gaffer (Steve Bruce) a number of times, and he probably wanted me to be a little bit more patient than what I was, but it’s football - these things happen.

“The lads that were playing in front of me, Albie (Morgan) and Evo (Lee Evans), took their opportunity when they got it and were playing some good football, so I had no rumbles with that. These kinds of things happen, so you’ve got to find a solution to it once they have.

“I worked tirelessly hard to get fit, but then I found myself out of the team again after a suspension.

“Albie came into the team and made the shirt his own. He’s a great lad and he’s playing some of his best football. I wish everyone there nothing but the best.”

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