Blackpool Sign Ex-Bolton Wanderers Keeper Luke Southwood

Blackpool FC has signed former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Luke Southwood on a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. The 27-year-old shot stopper will join the Seasiders at Bloomfield Road.

Why it Matters for Blackpool

The signing of Southwood is a significant boost for Blackpool FC, who are gearing up for their first full season under the management of Ian Evatt. Evatt, who took charge of the club last October, is keen to strengthen his goalkeeping department and believes Southwood will add real quality to the team.

Southwood will join the Seasiders ahead of their first league game of the season, which takes place at home against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday. The Seasiders kick off the league campaign with a home fixture against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, having won 3-1 at Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup first round.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 13th in League One, 60 pts, 17W-9D-20L from 46 games, recent form WWWWL. Goals this season: 54 scored, 65 conceded (-11 goal difference). Title race: 43 points behind leaders Lincoln. Last result: Reading 0-1 Blackpool (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run.

Southwood made 27 appearances for Bristol Rovers last term but slipped down the pecking order during the second half of the campaign. He was made available for transfer at the end of last season and now heads to Bloomfield Road, penning a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. Southwood will also play alongside Dion Charles, who joined the Seasiders on a season-long loan from Huddersfield.

"I'm buzzing to be here and really happy to have got the move completed," the goalkeeper told the club site. "Reuniting with the gaffer was one of the biggest selling points in terms of coming here as I know how good and detailed he is. He is a manager who I believe I can thrive under."

Evatt added: "We are delighted to have brought Luke in before the first league game of the season. He is someone who I was keen to bring in. Having worked with him at Bolton Wanderers, he will add real quality to our goalkeeping department."

The Seasiders kick off the league campaign with a home fixture against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, having won 3-1 at Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup first round. With Southwood joining the squad, Blackpool FC is looking to build on their momentum and push for a higher finish in the league table.