Blackpool have added defender Josh Earl to their squad, with the 27-year-old tipped to be a solid part of their back three if he cuts out mistakes. The left-footed centre-back joined from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee last week and made his debut in Saturday's我们发现4-0 win over Peterborough United.
According to the Barnsley Chronicle's Doug O'Kane, a fresh start at Bloomfield Road is the best move for both the player and his former club. "He's got his pros and cons like a lot of players," O'Kane said. "He's a really good height for a defender, and has a good left foot - which he uses well for passes and long balls." The reporter noted Earl made several costly errors during his two years at Oakwell but believes a change of environment could help.
Ian Evatt immediately started Earl in a left-sided centre-back role against Peterborough, indicating he is seen as a direct option for that position. O'Kane suggests the player is better suited to a back three than a back four. With 163 League One appearances, Earl brings significant third-tier experience to a Seasiders defence that has conceded 12 goals in their opening five league games.
Blackpool's current defensive options include Marvin Ekpiteta, who has started every match this season, and new signing Jacob Greaves. Earl's arrival provides competition and cover on the left side of the defence. His height and left-footed passing are assets Evatt will look to utilise in building play from the back.
Earl was a regular for a Barnsley side that struggled defensively over the past two seasons. The Tykes kept only 10 league clean sheets across those campaigns and conceded nearly 100 goals in all competitions. "He's sort of an opinion splitting player amongst the fanbase," O'Kane stated. "It's a move that hasn't completely worked out and it's probably for the best for both parties for him to move on."
The defender's time at Oakwell ended with Barnsley finishing 12th in League One last season. His final appearance came in a 2-1 defeat to Cambridge United in April. Blackpool will be hoping his experience, which includes over 200 senior career appearances, adds stability.
Jordan Williams will also head back to his old club when Blackpool visit Barnsley on Wednesday evening. The right-back, on loan from Portsmouth, spent six years at Oakwell, making over 200 appearances and winning promotion to the Championship in 2019. O'Kane hopes Williams gets a good reception. "He played more than 200 games for Barnsley, he joined when he was only 18," the reporter said.
Williams has featured three times for Blackpool since his loan move, offering an option at right wing-back. His knowledge of Oakwell could be useful in a key early-season fixture.
Blackpool's trip to Barnsley on September 6th is their next match. Earl signed a three-year deal with the club, which includes a 12-month option.
