Familiar face is in waiting for Blackpool

Tom Barkhuizen will come up against Blackpool early in the new season

Former striker Tom Barkhuizen will come up against the Seasiders for the first time since leaving 12 months ago as Morecambe welcome Gary Bowyer’s new-look Pool side for their first home game of the season.

The League Two fixtures revealed the Shrimps will face Blackpool for the first time in a Football League game at the Globe Arena on Saturday, August 13.

Barkhuizen swapped Blackpool for Morecambe last summer having come through the ranks at Bloomfield Road after finding first team opportunities limited.

He fired 12 goals in all competitions last term for the Shrimps and is set to be a key man for Jim Bentley’s side this campaign.

And he revealed a clash against Blackpool is the one he was waiting for.

“When I knew Blackpool were playing in League Two this season this was the game I was looking out for,” Barkhuizen admitted.

“To see it take place so early in the season is a cracker and a game I am looking forward to as I’m sure the supporters are too.

“It will be a great atmosphere and it is a game that should really grab the attention of the fans.”

The Shrimps kick off their season at Grimsby on August 6 before a trip to Rotherham in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Barkhuizen said: “It will definitely be a tough opening week of the season.

“Grimsby will really be up for it on the opening day as it is their first game back in the Football League for a few years and they will want to get off to a winning start.

“The good thing is the fact we have two tough league games in the first week means we will have something to really focus our attentions on.”

For Blackpool it’s a nice start to life in a long-distance league travelling wise.

A home clash against Exeter will be followed by a League Cup home tie to Bolton and a short trip to Morecambe in the first seven days.

After that it’s a long haul, with 8,400 miles, or six full days travelling, for Pool’s players, staff and supporters.

They return to pre-season training this week after seven weeks off, with Bowyer hoping to quickly erase memories of yet another shocking season.