Solomon-Otabor: I learned so much at Blackpool

Viv Solomon-Otabor says he is '100 per cent ready' to hit the ground running with parent club Birmingham City after his successful season-long loan at Blackpool.
Viv Solomon-OtaborViv Solomon-Otabor
Viv Solomon-Otabor

Don’t miss the latest football news and gossip from leagues in England, Scotland and Europe with footballwire.co.ukViv Solomon-Otabor says he is “100 per cent ready” to hit the ground running with parent club Birmingham City after his successful season-long loan at Blackpool.

The 22-year-old first signed for the Seasiders last July, then extended his deal just before Christmas to run until the end of the season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Solomon-Otabor, who made 47 appearances for Pool, says he is now fully focused on breaking into Birmingham’s first team.

He said: “The fans there saw a brief spell of me when I was 19 and 20 but now I’m 100 per cent ready.

“I can’t wait to get back and show everybody what I can do, and how much I’ve progressed as a player as well as a person.

“There are different things in life I have learned. I went into Blackpool not as a boy but as someone who was willing to learn.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I achieved my goal, which was to go out there, play as many games as I could and have the manager trust me.”

The winger played a leading role, scoring five times to help the Seasiders clinch a 12th-placed finish in League One.

“It’s been a great season to be fair,” he added. “The fact the manager gave me the opportunity to play week in, week out and trusted me was great.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I’d just like to thank everyone there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was a different experience for me because I was starting most of the games.

“Before, when I was 15 and 16, I was seen as an impact player who came off the bench.

“So I had that actual responsibility to start from the beginning and to finish the match, and obviously people relied on me.

“So, yes ,it was different but it was enjoyable at the same time because that’s what I love to do.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“You feel that added pressure, but because it’s what you love to do that kind of just goes out of the window.

“As a footballer, you just focus on the match and do what you’ve got to do.

“Going into Blackpool and playing every game, I knew what I had to do. I just wanted to be the best I could be and thankfully it paid off.”

The Seasiders have confirmed they will play matches away to Nantwich Town and Port Vale on the same day as part of their pre-season preparation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On Saturday, July 21, Blackpool XIs will face Northern Premier League side Nantwich at the Weaver Stadium at noon, followed by a match at Vale Park at 3pm.

The Seasiders have already confirmed friendlies away to AFC Fylde (July 24) and Crewe Alexandra (July 28.