By making a double swoop for out-of-contract Fraser Horsfall and Michael Ihiekwe, Blackpool has increased their defence options for the upcoming campaign.
After a stint at third-tier opponents Stockport County, 28-year-old Horsfall was signed to a four-year contract by Steve Bruce’s League One team.
Additionally, they signed 32-year-old Ihiekwe after Sheffield Wednesday of the Championship released him.
“We’re delighted to get someone of Fraser’s calibre signed early as he demonstrates the leadership qualities we’re looking for to compete at the top end of this division,” Bruce stated on the club’s external website.
“And [with Michael] his CV speaks for itself with four promotions from this division already. We are hopeful his experience will help us reach our goals this season.”
Horsfall narrowly missed out on promotion with Stockport, who lost on penalties in the play-off semi-finals to Leyton Orient.
But the former County captain has reset his sights on promotion with Blackpool next season as he prepares to join Steve Bruce’s squad.
“With the size of this club they shouldn’t be in this league, so the main goal is promotion,” said Horsfall.
Ihiekwe joins the Seasiders on a three-year deal from 1 July with four promotions from League One under his belt, three with Rotherham and most recently with the Owls back in 2023.
As he gets ready to join Steve Bruce’s team, Horsfall has set his sights on promotion with Blackpool for the upcoming season. “With the size of this club they shouldn’t be in this league, so the main goal is promotion,” Horsfall said. “And [with Michael] his CV speaks for itself with four promotions from this division already. We are hopeful his experience will help us reach our goals this season.” Ihiekwe joins the Seasiders on a three-year deal starting on July 1st, having achieved four promotions from League One, three with Rotherham, and most recently with the Owls back in 2023.
