Blackpool FC have welcomed back striker Jerry Yates on a season-long loan and seen their unbeaten league start end with a 2-1 defeat at Barnsley. The Seasiders, currently third in League One with seven points from four games, now prepare for an away fixture against Reading on Saturday.
Jerry Yates has rejoined Blackpool from Luton Town. The 29-year-old forward returns to Bloomfield Road three years after his departure, having previously scored 23 goals in his first season to help the club win promotion. Manager Ian Evatt is building a squad aiming for more than a mid-table finish, and Yates' proven record in the third tier could provide the cutting edge needed.
His initial spell from 2020 was the most prolific of his career, yielding 45 goals across three seasons. Since leaving, he has had spells with Swansea City and Derby County before a stint at Luton. A return to the club where he enjoyed his best form could reignite his scoring touch and bolster an attack that has already netted eight league goals this season.
Blackpool's unbeaten run ended with a late 2-1 loss at Oakwell. Cameron McGeehan gave Barnsley the lead after 61 minutes, but Josh Bowler equalised for the Seasiders just four minutes later. The winner came in the 87th minute when substitute Amani Richards looped a header over goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Player ratings noted that most of the squad received sixes in the first defeat. Dion Charles struck the post in the first half, while defender Josh Earl made a key goal-line block just before halftime. The result leaves Blackpool three points behind league leaders Huddersfield Town, with a goal difference of plus four.
Blackpool will be without defender Zac Ashworth for their next match after he received a red card in the Carabao Cup loss to Lincoln City. Jerry Yates and new defender Josh Earl are both in line for potential starts as the squad is assessed.
The team's next challenge is an away trip to face Reading, who are 14th in the table. This match comes quickly after the midweek fixture, testing the squad's depth.
Winger Tom Bloxham is highlighted as a key player. The six-foot-five attacker joined Blackpool from Shrewsbury Town in January 2025 and has made over 100 senior appearances. His physical presence and aerial ability offer a different threat in the final third.
Bloxham's development will be important as Blackpool seeks consistency in their push for the play-off places. The club fought off significant competition to sign him, and he is now a fixture in Evatt's plans. His performances could be vital in turning promising positions into wins.
Peterborough manager Luke Williams, who previously managed Yates, acknowledged the signing in his pre-match comments. "They have signed Jerry Yates, who I have managed before, he is a good lad," Williams said, wishing him well for the season apart from their two meetings. Blackpool's next game is away to Reading on September 5th.
