Blackpool have secured the signing of defender Zac Ashworth from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee according to the club’s official website.
Ashworth, who is just 21, has bundles of potential and already has sufficient experience within the EFL under his belt. The left-sided defender has appeared six times for West Brom at a senior level, two of those coming in the Championship, but has had two fairly successful spells in League One over the last couple of seasons.
First with Burton Albion during the second half of the 2021/22 season, Ashworth would hold down a spot in the Brewers’ starting lineup for the majority of his time at the Pirelli Stadium. He’d end up with 18 appearances to his name, 16 of those being starts in what would be a great end to the campaign for both the club and the player.
Following on from his successful spell with Burton, Ashworth made what could be perceived as a step-up when he joined Bolton Wanderers the following season. The Welshman would however struggle for game time last term, being limited to just 16 23 appearances across all competitions, though would produce three goals and three assists.
Despite not receiving that many opportunities at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, it was reported by journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon that the Trotters wanted to sign the defender on a permanent basis.
Given his age, plenty more is expected from Ashworth but it is Blackpool who are the ones to gain his services. He’ll now be expected to progress on his performance’s last term and a change of scenery could spark further improvement.
Speaking to club media upon his arrival at Bloomfield Road, the Welshman said:
“I’m over the moon to be here and really excited for what’s to come.
“Blackpool is a massive Club and this is a great opportunity for a fresh start. The gaffer was a big factor in the move. After speaking to him and discussing what he thinks I can offer, he made me really want to play for him and for the team.
“I’ve had such a warm welcome from everyone and can’t wait to meet the lads in training this week and get going in Tangerine.”
Writer’s View
With plenty of experience already in the EFL at a young age, Ashworth is certainly a name to look out for in years to come. Permanently moving away from the Hawthorns may get the best out of him and he seems an exciting acquisition for the Tangerines.
Having fallen out of favour towards the end of his time with Bolton, it isn’t a hurge surprise to see Ashworth not return to the Wanderers. Nonetheless, he’d have still been a good signing for the club albeit a fee would’ve been involved. Blackpool and Bolton will both have the same aspiration, that being promotion to the Championship next term, and Ashworth will now want to help the former achieve that.
