Blackpool have completed the signing of forward Jerry Yates on a season-long loan from Luton Town. The 29-year-old returns to Bloomfield Road where he previously scored 46 goals in 139 appearances between 2020 and 2023.
Yates could make his second debut for the club this weekend when Blackpool, currently 6th in League One with four points from two games, host Peterborough United. Manager Ian Evatt has moved to bolster his attacking options, with Niall Ennis and Dale Taylor already sidelined. The club also completed the signing of defender Josh Earl from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.
Ian Evatt made it clear the decision was forward-looking. "The biggest selling point for me was forgetting history and creating new memories," the manager said. He stressed the signing is based on what Yates can deliver now, not his past achievements, which included being part of the last Blackpool side to win promotion to the Championship.
Evatt revealed there was significant competition for Yates's signature and that he believes the player operates at least at Championship level. Owner Simon Sadler provided the financial backing to get the deal done and personally helped sell the project to the returning forward. Evatt also held a direct meeting with Yates to outline his plans and rationale.
The addition of Josh Earl provides defensive reinforcement. Evatt described the Barnsley signing as a left-sided defender who is comfortable with the ball, big, and physical. The manager stated Earl knows the Championship level and the league well, having been playing very well for his previous club. Evatt believes Earl possesses the attributes to play at a higher level and could feature against Peterborough.
Both new signings are seen as good characters who will improve the overall culture of the squad. Evatt expressed his pleasure with the business conducted, which addresses specific needs within the team.
Integration will be managed carefully. Jerry Yates may not start immediately against Peterborough due to a lack of pre-season activity, but he is available for selection. His return is a popular one with supporters. "Look, every time I walk around, the first name people want me to sign is Jerry Yates," Evatt noted.
The immediate focus is on the next fixture. Blackpool welcome 13th-placed Peterborough to Bloomfield Road on 29 August, looking to build on a solid start that has seen them score three goals and concede two. They sit just two points behind early leaders Bradford City in the title race. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page and view the full squad list.
These signings signal ambition for a club that wants to be competitive at the top of League One. Adding a proven goalscorer like Yates and a solid defender in Earl strengthens the core group. With key attackers injured, Yates's arrival is timely. His experience and past connection with the club could provide a vital spark.
The early season form shows promise, and these additions aim to consolidate that. The challenge now is to gel the new players quickly and convert positive performances into consistent results, starting with the upcoming home match. Supporters can follow all the upcoming action via our fixtures schedule.
