Blackpool have secured the future of academy graduate Oli Hunter with a long-term professional contract. The 17-year-old midfielder has signed his first professional deal with the club, which runs until June 2028.
Hunter joined Blackpool from Blackburn Rovers last summer and was part of the under-18s squad that won the LFA Professional Youth Cup. He has already featured on the bench for the first team several times this season due to senior player absences.
"It’s an unreal feeling to have signed this contract," Hunter said.
Manager Ian Evatt discussed Hunter's opportunities earlier this month, comparing his progression to other young players like Oluchi Nwankwo and Theo Upton. Evatt confirmed the youngster has made a strong impression.
"Oli has impressed me, I think he’s got a bright future," Evatt said. "He’s not there yet, he’s not ready yet, but he’s learning all of the time."
The manager added that Hunter is picking up good habits and that there could be opportunities for him and other youngsters to play in the upcoming EFL Trophy. Blackpool, who sit 10th in League One on eight points, will begin their EFL Trophy campaign away to Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium on September 22. That match is scheduled for 7pm and will go ahead despite falling during the international break.
The group stage continues with a home fixture against Crewe Alexandra at Bloomfield Road on October 6, followed by another home game against Aston Villa's under-21s on October 27. Both of those matches also kick off at 7pm. These fixtures provide a clear platform for Evatt to integrate young talent like Hunter into competitive action.
Hunter's commitment comes as the first team prepares for their next League One fixture, a home game against sixth-placed Plymouth on September 19. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures and standings pages. The club's recent form reads one win, one draw and three defeats from their last five outings.
More detail at Blackpool Gazette
